Bowlers Chalk Up Top Summer Finishes
8/13/2015 12:00:00 PM | Women's Bowling
The nationally-ranked women's bowling team from Sam Houston posted several outstanding performances during major tournaments this summer.
The Kats posted three top 65 finishes including a pair of top 20 rankings at the Junior Gold National Championships, one of the nation's largest and most prestigious youth bowling national events.
An annual tournament featuring the top male and female youth bowlers in competition in both the Under-20 and Under-15 divisions for an opportunity to earn a spot on the Junior Team USA.
With almost 800 young women competed in this year's event, Sam Houston senior Anna Groce placed 17th, sophomore Heather Penatzer finished 18th, sophomore Stephanie Zavala was 65th and incoming freshman Madysen Keller placed 179th.
“If this summer's accomplishments are any indication of what is to come this season, then to say I'm excited more so than usual is an understatement,” Bearkat bowling head coach Brad Hagen said. “This team is hunger and already is talking about taking care of business. That's what every coach wants to hear preseason.”
During the Bearkat bowling's five-year history, Sam Houston has earned NCAA Elite Eight selection four times, reached the Final Four each of the past two years and won the 2014 NCAA National Championship. The Bearkats have ranked among the top 20 nationally in every poll since their inaugural tournament in October 2010. The Kats finished the 2014-15 season No. 5 in the National Ten Pins Coaches Association final poll.
Six veterans with NCAA post-season experience including three members of the 2014 national championship return for the 2015-16 season. They are joined by an experienced transfer and one of the nation's top freshman recruits.
2015 Sam Houston Bowling Summer Highlights:
Senior - Anna Groce
17th in the Nation – Junior Gold National Championships
Sophomore – Heather Penatzer:
18th in the Nation – Junior Gold National Championships
New Mexico Youth Open Scratch Champion
Sophomore – Stephanie Zavala
65th in the Nation – Junior Gold National Championships
California USBC Diddy Watts Youth State Single Challenge
Senior – Carrie Hopkinson
Canadian National Team Camp
Freshman – Madysen Keller:
179th in the Nation – Junior Gold National Championships
North Carolina All Starts Team Event
