MILLSBORO, Del. - - With a pair of wins on Saturday, the Wilmington University bowling team moves up to 12th overall at the Eastern Shore Hawk Classic, going 2-2 in head-to-head battles at the Millsboro Lanes.
The Wildcats knocked down 4,714 total pins on Saturday, and now has a total pin fall of 9,214 for a 184.3 game average after 10 matches.
The day started on the right foot for the Wildcats, as they defeated nationally ranked No. 14 Delaware State, 1,031-927. They dropped a match to the hosts and nationally ranked No. 20 UMES, 1,056-909, bowled an 885 during their bye match, narrowly lost to No. 12 Sacred Heart, 997-987, and then ended the day on a high night with a 902-884 against St. France (N.Y.).
Individually, the Wildcats were led by Rachel Hirst who finished 15th overall going for a 201.80 average with a total pinfall of 1,009. It is her third best five-match total in her career, while her 241 against Delaware State was also personally her third best game while with the program. She also bowled a 207 against St. Francis, and a 201 against Sacred Heart.
Freshman Sydney Jones finished 20th overall with a 197.80 average, putting down a total of 989 pins. She had three games of over 200, with a day's best 220 against Delaware State. She also had 218 against Sacred Heart and 200 against St. Francis.
KC Miller finished 29th overall with an average of 194, knocking down 970 total pins in five matches. She had a day's best 224 against Delaware State as well. She also had a game of 202 in the bye round.
Malia Stout finished 45th overall with an average of 177.20 and a total pinfall of 886. Her best match of the game came when she bowled a 203 against Sacred Heart.
CC Riojas rounded out the Wildcats on the lanes on Saturday, finishing in 51st overall with a 172 average and an 860 total pinfall. She had a day's best 185 against Sacred Heart.
Sam Houston State has taken over the lead of the tournament, tying Vanderbilt with a total pinall number of 10,169 (203.4 average). Sam Houston State is 8-2 while Vanderbilt is 7-2 in head-to-head matches.
The Wildcats move to bracket play on Sunday to determine their final spot in the standings. They will play three best-of-seven baker matches to close out the tournament. They start with the hosts UMES in the first bracket match.
15 – Rachel Hirst – 241-176-184-201-207 – 1,009 – 201.80 avg.
20 – Sydney Jones – 220-188-163-218-200 – 989 – 197.80 avg.
29 – KC Miller – 224-188-202-180-176 – 970 – 194.00 avg.
45 – Malia Stout – 170-189-181-203-143 – 886 – 177.20 avg.
51 – CC Riojas – 176-168-155-185-176 – 860 – 172.00 avg.