HARAHAN, La. – The 18th-ranked Sacred Heart University women's bowling team placed fourth at the challenging Colonial Lanes Classic, hosted by Tulane this weekend in Harahan, La.
The Pioneers finished the event with an 8-5 record, earning four wins over nationally-ranked opponents. SHU's highest-ranked win came against No. 8 Sam Houston in the first round of the Sunday championship bracket. No. 11 Stephen F. Austin was named the event's champion after defeating No. 4 Vanderbilt in the final.
SHU opened the event with an impressive 5-0 day in the baker portion. The Pioneers defeated Emmanuel (1033-929), Alabama State (1012-929), Prairie View A&M (1061-923), No. 24 Oklahoma Christian (969-919) and Alabama A&M (995-947).
The pressure stepped up in the traditional portion of the tournament, as all five of SHU's Saturday opponents were ranked. The Pios bounced back from defeats to No. 4 Vanderbilt and No. 8 Sam Houston with victories over No. 17 Wichita State (1043-1027) and No. 15 Newman (1017-978).
Megan Prettyman and
Karleigh LeMond led the way for Sacred Heart in the traditional matches, as both maintained averages over 200. Prettyman tallied an average of 211.20 in all five matches, while LeMond's was 213.00 over three, two of which were SHU wins. Prettyman ranked 11th among all of the bowlers that played five traditional bouts.
Hope Bunk was very close to 200 with a 199.20 average in all five contests.
Following its solid start to the event, SHU entered the championship bracket in fourth. The Pioneers first defeated Sam Houston before stumbling against the eventual champs from Stephen F. Austin. Sacred Heart ended the tournament by falling in a Sunday rematch against the Bearcats to place fourth.
The Pios will have off until Jan. 17, when they host the opening day of the Northeast Classic in New Castle, Del.
