GLEN ALLEN, Va. - - Back by a pair of freshmen setting new personal bests, the Wilmington University bowling team heads into Bracket Play at the Virginia Union Invitational in first place, going 9-0 in Baker and Traditional matches at the Bowl American Short Pump.
On Friday, the Wildcats went 4-0 in Baker Matches, defeating Howard, Virginia Union, Bowie State and Virginia State. They had a day's best 925 in their first match, facing the bye. They also had an 889 in the win over Bowie State and an 884 against host Virginia Union.
On Saturday, the Wildcats went undefeated again, going 5-0 in Traditional matches. They defeated Fayetteville State, Coppin State, Mt. Aloysius, Norfolk State, and No. 21 Mount St. Mary's. They set a new program record in their match against Coppin State, winning 1,021-825, surpassing the mark of 1,017 set earlier this year at the Bud Whitman Memorial.
The Wildcats are in first place with a two-day total of 9,015 pins, leading Howard by 176 pins. Mount St. Mary's is in third place, 203 pins behind the Wildcats.
Individually, the Wildcats were led by a pair of freshmen, both earning All-Tournament honors for their work in the lanes.
CC Riojas was the top Wildcat finisher, placing third overall with a 189.20 average. Her total of 946 is the 13th best in program history, besting her previous best by 17 pins. She had a day's best 245 against Coppin State, the sixth best individual match in program history. She also bowled a 191 in the bye, and a 184 in the match against Mt. Aloysius.
Not far behind her was classmate KC Miller, finishing fifth overall with a 187.40 average. Her 937 was a new personal best, improving upon her 885 at the Bud Whitman Memorial. She posted a day's best 204 in the bye match, adding a 198 against Norfolk State.
Just missing the All-Tournament Team, Malia Stout finished in seventh place on Saturday, finishing with a 919 (183.80 average). She went over 200 in the final match of the day, bowling a 202 to lead the team against Mount St. Mary's.
Directly behind Stout was teammate Rachel Hirst, as she finishing eighth overall with a 914 (182.80 average). She had a day's high 210 to lead the team to a victory over Norfolk State. She also had a 199 game against Coppin State.
Bailey Peters made it all five Wildcats inside the Top 15, finishing in 13th place overall with a five-match total of 898 (179.60 average). Peters bowled a 204 against Norfolk State and had a 202 in the win over Coppin State.
The Wildcats will look for their first Tournament victory in program history on Sunday when they start Baker Match Play.