William Penn Upset in Finals, Takes Runner-Up at Heart Championship

Columbia, Mo.--The Statesmen men's bowling team was on the doorsteps of a league crown, but could not accomplish its goal as it finished second at the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championship Saturday and Sunday.

In a unique format, each head-to-head matchup featured three separate rounds in a best-of-three situation.  The first section was won by highest total pinfall in five individual games, while the second round was claimed by highest total pinfall in four Baker games.  If the teams had to go to a third round, the winning point would be determined by a best-of-five Baker series.

William Penn entered the national-qualifying event as the No. 1 seed and quickly moved through the bracket.  The navy and gold defeated No. 8 seed Grand View 2-0 and then also swept No. 4 seed Missouri Baptist 2-0.

WPU advanced to the championship round with one more 2-0 sweep, doing so against No. 6 seed Culver-Stockton.

Culver-Stockton took care of business in the consolation bracket to earn a rematch against the Statesmen.  The Wildcats managed to stay alive with a 2-1 victory, forcing a best-of-seven Baker series in a winner-take-all contest.

Unfortunately, C-SC carried its momentum into the 'if necessary' match and took the crown with a 4-1 victory over WPU.  Culver-Stockton claims the Heart's automatic berth for the NAIA National Championship in two weeks.

Next Up: William Penn will travel to Fort Worth, Texas from March 7-9 to compete in the USBC Sectionals.  On Friday, March 7, individuals will compete in the Singles competition, while on Saturday and Sunday, March 8-9, the Statesmen will battle in the Team competition.