Altoona, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford bowling team was back in action for the first time this semester on Friday, as they bowled 5 matches on the first day at the Red Flash Invitational, hosted by Saint Francis in Altoona, Pa. The Panthers faced some tough competition and posted a 1-4 record on the day.
Bowling in Traditional format, the Panthers squared up with three NCAA Division I teams, as well as AMCC-leading Saint Vincent, and Pitt-Greensburg. Pitt-Bradfordfell in the first four matches to Valparaiso, Saint Francis, Mount St. Mary's, and Saint Vincent, before picking up a win over Pitt-Greensburg to end the day.
The First match saw the Pitt-Bradford fall to Valparaiso 980-717. Brookelyn Garvey led the Panthers with a score of 187. Erin Wales and Olivia Shultz both bowled a 135 in the match, while Alexis Whitfield posted a 135 and Sarah Newland finished at 128.
The Panthers were able to improve their score in the second match of the day, but still lost to the hosts, St. Francis, 935-744. Newland stepped up to lead the Panthers with a score of 178. Garvey was just 5 pins behind her at 173. Shultz rolled a 150, while Wales posted a 123 and Whitfield rounded out the scoring at 120.
In match three, the Panthers continued to improve the score, falling to Mt. St. Mary's 914-756. Garvey exploded with a day-high score of 216 in the match. Whitfield increased her total to 152, while Shultz finished just behind her at 151. Newland posted a score of 120, and Wales a 117.
The Panthers' string of tough opponents came to a close in MAtch 4 with a 933-750 loss to Saint Vincent. GArvey had another strong game to lead the Panthers with a score of 190, while Newland returned to form with a 169. Wales had the next-best Panthers core at 147, while Whitfield followed with a 131. Shultz had the lowest-scoring game at 113.
Despite falling in the first four matches of the day, the Panthers were able to rally in the final game of the day and pick up a win over Pitt-Greensburg 810-755. Wales had the best game of her young career, bowling to a score of 211. Newland finished her day with a 168, while Whitfield had the third-best score at 156. Garvey wrapped up the day with a 152, and Shultz finished the scoring at 123.
On the day, Brookelyn Garvey led the Panthers with an average of 183.6, which was tied for 12th. The final four Pitt-bRadford Bowlers all finished the traditional round with averages putting them between 29th and 36th. Sarah Newland averaged 152.6 pins, good for 29th, while Wales was two spots behind her in 31st with an average of 146.6.. Alexis Whitfield finished in 33rd at 138.2 and Olivia Shultz was 36th with an average score of 134.4.
The Panthers will be back in action tomorrow for 5 more matches, beginning at 10:00 a.m. They will move into Baker bowling format with the winner decided by total pinfall over 5 games.
