DEPTFORD, N.J. - - The Wilmington University bowling team started its 2025-26 season with the Bud Whitman Memorial this weekend, hosted at the Bowlero Deptford by Chestnut Hill. The Wildcats finished in ninth place in the season-opening tournament.

The Wildcats competed in five traditional matches on Saturday afternoon, going 1-4 overall. Weather suspended the tournament on Sunday, but the Wildcats stuck around to play four matches against Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference foe Dominican before heading home.

The season started with a tough matchup against nationally ranked No. 11 Sacred Heart, falling 912-803 in traditional scoring. The Wildcats also fell to CACC foes Dominican, 894-782, and Caldwell, 833-809, before picking up their first won of the season. They defeated Coppin State, 784-770, in the fourth match of the day, and then fell to Alvernia, 753-644, to close out the day.

The Wildcats were led by Dakota Banach's 13^th place finish in traditional scoring, finishing with an 894 for a 178.80 average. She had a day's best 206 against Caldwell, and also scored a 189 against Sacred Heart.

Kali Siegel finished 20^th overall, bowling an 848 for a 169.60 average. She had a day's high 191 against Sacred Heart and also bowled a 186 against Caldwell.

Genna Closs finished 28^th overall with a five-match score of 802, bowling a 160.40 average. She had a day's best 190 against Dominican and also had a 169 in the win against Coppin State.

Gabriella Jiovany placed 35^th in the standings with a five-match score of 696 for a 139.20 average. She had a day's high 163 against Caldwell. Kait Manee rounded out the Wildcats on the lanes by finishing in 42^nd overall, bowling a 582 with a 116.40 average. She had a day's high 127 against Sacred Heart.

Fairleigh Dickinson's Emily Fogarty won the tournament with a 987, bowling a 197.40 average. Sacred Heart went 5-0 with a total pinfall of 4,709 to finish first overall.

On Sunday, the Wildcats picked up four matches against Dominican, playing three baker matches. They dropped both total pinfall matches, 958-764, and 868-801. In the bracket match, they won the first game, 206-189, but couldn't keep the momentum, falling, 4-1, including a close third game, 175-172.

The young Wildcats have a couple of weeks off to prepare for their next tournament. They head to the two-day Golden Bear Invite starting on November 1, hosted by Kutztown University at the Berks Lane in Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania.