Kats split two matches at SBL Championships
3/23/2018 9:55:00 PM | Women's Bowling
The Sam Houston State bowling team spilt a pair of matches on the first day of the Southland Bowling League Championships at USA Bowl in Dallas on Friday.
The Kats entered as the No. 3 seed in the championship and took on Valpo in the opening round for the second straight season. The Bearkats got all they could handle from the No. 6 Crusaders to open the match, falling 869-832 in the traditional game. Valpo was led by Kendra Tryniski (205) and Becky Lohse (180) while Stephanie Zavala (207) was the only bowler over 158 for SHSU in the opening game.
“We need to mentally be stronger especially out of the gate,” said head coach Brad Hagen. “No one in our conference can be taken lightly and we need to step up and do our jobs.”
Sam Houston hit its stride in the baker total pinfall, winning 959-792 to force a best-of-seven baker series, which the Bearkats comfortably swept 4-0 to move on to face No. 2 Vanderbilt in the second round. Vanderbilt again racked up two high-scoring affairs to sweep the Bearkats in the second round of the advancers bracket. The baker total pinfall games were closer in deficit, but a pair of 200-plus outings to open the series secured a 975-869 victory and another 2-0 sweep for Vanderbilt.
The Kats will now move to the elimination bracket where they will take on No. 8 Monmouth. Action will begin at 8:30 a.m. The Kats will have to win three times on Saturday to advance to Sunday's championship match.
“If we can control the emotions and stay present we have a chance to climb the ladder,” Hagen said. “For the first time and automatic qualifying spot is on the line, so there is a lot still to play for here.”
