NEW HAVEN, Conn. - - Wilmington University was tabbed first in the 2023-24 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Women's Bowling Preseason Coaches Poll, as announced by Commissioner Dan Mara. The Wildcats, who reached the round of final three teams in last spring's inaugural CACC Bowling Championship, earned 40 points in the voting and five first-place votes.
Caldwell University, the reigning CACC Champion, was second in the preseason poll with 35 points and one first-place nod. Chestnut Hill College -- last season's CACC finalist -- and Felician University were tied for third with 30 points.
The Wildcats return three student-athletes from last year's squad, including graduate students Sydney Jones and KC Miller. They also welcome three new student-athletes to the program, including two transfers and one incoming freshman.
Wilmington's 2023-24 journey begins on Saturday as the team competes at the Mercyhurst Invite in Erie, Pennsylvania. The Wildcats will host three tournaments throughout the regular season, first in January with the Northeast Classic starting on January 19 at Bowlerama.
The 2023-24 CACC Bowling Championship will be held on March 22-24, at Pike Lanes in Southampton, Pa., and will be hosted by Chestnut Hill. The conference will feature a pair of regular season tournaments in November and March to determine the five teams that will advance to the post-season tournament. The CACC will feature seven schools competing in the sport during the 2023-24 campaign. In addition to the four schools mentioned above, Bloomfield College and Holy Family University will once again compete in the sport, while Dominican University embarks on its inaugural season in the sport this winter.
2023-24 CACC WOMEN'S BOWLING PRESEASON COACHES POLL
1. Wilmington University 40 (5)
2. Caldwell University 35 (1)
T3. Chestnut Hill College 30
T3. Felician University 30 (1)
5. Bloomfield College 25
6. Holy Family University 16
7. Dominican University 13
() - First-Place Votes