JEFFERSONTOWN, Ky. – The Sacred Heart University bowling team finished in the top six of the Intercollegiate Team Championships (ITC), winning three matches at the challenging event hosted by the United States Bowling Congress in Jeffersontown, Ky.

This event marked the first time the Pioneers had qualified for the ITCs since 2015, after finishing third out of 20 teams at the ITC Sectionals on March 10. 

The Pioneers began the event by qualifying 11th in the 16-team field, setting up an opening match against sixth-seeded Maryland Eastern Shore on Thursday. Sacred Heart topped the Hawks by a 4-3 final score in an exciting match. SHU then suffered a 4-0 loss to third-seeded Wichita State to conclude play Thursday. 

Sacred Heart kicked off play Friday with back-to-back wins over 15th-seeded Webber International and seventh-seeded North Carolina A&T. The Pios rolled to a 4-1 win over the Warriors before taking a 4-2 triumph over the Aggies to earn a spot in the top six. 

Unfortunately for SHU, its tournament ended Friday afternoon with a 4-0 setback against second-seeded SCAD. 

In addition to the team championship, Sacred Heart's Molly Chiesa qualified for the Intercollegiate Singles Championship (ISC), which started on Tuesday. Chiesa, a 20th-seed, suffered a hard-fought 601-575 loss to 13th-seeded Brystal Breyer of Stephen F Austin.