SINKING SPRING, Pa. - - The Wilmington University bowling team went the distance with Alvernia but dropped the final game to finish 10th overall at the 2025 Golden Bear Invite hosted by Kutztown University at Berks Lane on Saturday and Sunday.
The Wildcats went 2-6 in nine matches over the two days and then dropped a tough 4-3 decision in the Baker Bracket matchup on Sunday, falling to 10th place.
On Saturday, the Wildcats were led by a pair of Top 10 finishers, as Kali Siegel placed sixth and Genna Closs ninth overall after five traditional matches. Kali Siegel finished sixth overall with a 946 five-match total, going for a 189.20 average. She had a day's high 210 while also collecting games of 199 and 195 on Saturday. Genna Closs placed ninth overall with a five-match total of 932 for a 186.40 average. She had a Wilmington best 223 in the final match of the day, adding a 205 as well.
Dakota Banach finished 23rd overall on Saturday, collecting an 843 for a 168.60 average. She had a 202 in the opening match and a 200 game in the final. Gabriella Jiovany finished 47th overall with a 629 for a 125.80 average on Saturday, collecting a day's best 156 in the second match. Kaitlyn Manee bowled a 590 for a 118.00 average, having a day's best 139 in the third match.
The Wildcats went 0-5 in traditional matches on Saturday, sitting in ninth place after the first day.
They switched to Baker format on Sunday and the Wildcats went 2-1 with a bye ahead of the Baker Bracket format. After starting with the bye with which they bowled a 792, they lost to #23 Delaware State, 921-884, but then bounced back with wins over Chestnut Hill, 847-788, and Caldwell, 726-712.
The Wildcats matched up against Alvernia in the 9-10 matchup, and the match went the distance. Alvernia took the first two games, 176-145 and 165-141, but then the Wildcats fought back, taking three straight games to take the lead. They won, 170-161, 187-180, and 192-107, to move on top, 3-2. But the Golden Wolves won the sixth game, 182-159, and then stole a close one, 154-150, in the seventh game to take the match, 4-3.
Wilmington will get a chance to size up the competition in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference next weekend, competing in the CACC Meet 1 on Saturday and Sunday. Dominican will host the two-day tournament at New City Bowl in New City, New York.