Statesmen Reach Bracket Play at Jayhawk Collegiate Challenge

Lawrence, Kan.--Cydnee Whiteleather (Jr., Lehigh Acres, Fla., Elementary Education) placed in the top five as the William Penn women's bowling team was in contention for the crown at the Jayhawk Collegiate Challenge Saturday and Sunday.

WPU finished second out of 18 teams during qualifying with 7,240 pins in five regular games and 16 Baker games. Wichita State (Kan.) topped the standings with 7,509 pins. The Statesmen moved from fourth to second with a strong Baker showing (2,810 pins, second-most in the field).

WPU and WSU were joined by Ottawa (Kan.) and Baker in the four-team pod play event. Unfortunately, the navy and gold could not advance out of the semifinals, ending up fourth with a four-game tally of 686 pins. Ottawa was the top team in the semifinal round and then defeated Baker in the finals.

Jadyn Barr of Ottawa led the 150-player field with a 200.2 average (1,001 pins), while Whiteleather was also in the mix, just 34 pins back. The junior, who had two games in the 200s (high of 220), placed fourth with a 195.0 average.

Gabi Evans (Sr., West Liberty, Iowa, Psychology and Sociology) was next with a 191.0 average in four games, while Shaydn Bishop (Jr., Grandview, Iowa, Exercise Science) also started in four rounds (163.3 clip).

Isabel Diaz (So., Kissimmee, Fla., Communications) and Madison Ross (Sr., Charles City, Iowa, Exercise Science) paced a quartet who rolled four games; both individuals had a 174.0 average. Caitlin Radliff (So., Belleville, Ill., Software Engineering) averaged 171.0 pins and Olivia Pilcher (Fr., Ottumwa, Iowa, Exercise Science) knocked down 163.0 pins per game.

WPU's reserve squad also excelled, winning qualifying with 6,830 pins. The Statesmen reached the finals, but were nipped by Midland (Neb.) 695-685 for the crown. Emily Eikenberry (Jr., Council Bluffs, Iowa, Computer Science) led her crew with a 171.4 average.

"We performed really well this weekend, being the top NAIA squad at both the varsity and junior varsity levels," Head Coach Kirstin Foster said. "The pod play did not go our way, but overall I am happy with the performance. We have some things we are going to work on before our next tournament, but our ladies are proving to be a fantastic team this year."

Next Up: William Penn travels to Davenport on November 12-13 to compete in the ISYL Leatherneck Classic.