NEW CASTLE, Del. – The 18th-ranked Sacred Heart University women's bowling team placed second at the season-opening Bud Whitman Memorial, hosted by Chestnut Hill this past weekend in New Castle, Del.

The Pioneers went 7-2 at the event, suffering a close 1237-1217 defeat to former conference foe FDU to earn second. SHU beat the 20th-ranked Knights in a traditional match the day prior, 1039-998. 

Newcomer Hope Bunk, a transfer from Youngstown State, led the Pioneers in the traditional portion of the tournament, ranking second among bowlers who competed in all five traditional matches with a 218.40. She cracked 200 in all but one of the traditional matches, with SHU winning every match she crossed 200. 

Graduate student Paige Donovan was second on the team with a 215.60 average over five matches. Megan Prettyman also participated in all five traditional matches, averaging an average of 192.60. Molly Chiesa tallied the top four-match average at 205.25. 

The Pioneers will next head to Florida to host the Destination Florida tournament, which is set to begin on Friday, Oct. 18.