NEW CASTLE, Del. - - The Wilmington University women's bowling team began its 2026 calendar season by wrapping up the daunting Northeast Classic with two wins on Sunday, placing 33rd overall at Bowlerama.
The field of 36 was loaded with National Champion contenders and ranked opponents, with nationally ranked No. 1 Jacksonville State defeating No. 2 Vanderbilt, 4-1, to win the Northeast Classic. The Top 14 teams ranked by the NTCA were in attendance at the Northeast Classic, among others in the Top 25 and receiving votes.
The Wildcats went 0-5 in Baker matches on Friday, finishing with a day's best 807 against Maryland Eastern Shore.
Kali Siegel led the Wildcats on Saturday in Traditional matches, bowling games of 156, 165,170, 178 and 200 for a five match total of 869 for a 173.80 average. She finished 88th overall. Her day's best 200 came against No. 9 Mount St. Mary's.
Genna Closs finished 104th overall with an 820 total (164 average), bowling games of 152, 158, 180, 159, and 171. Dakota Banach bowled an 808 five-match total, going for a 161.60 average. She had games of 147, 145, 180, 171, and 165, placing 106th overall. Gabriella Jiovany came in 133rd overall with a 696 total pinfall, going for a 139.20 average. She had games of 128, 139, 115, 167, and 147. Brianna Moss rounded out the Wildcats in the standings with a 160th place finish, bowling a 588 in five matches. She had games of 101, 182, 113, 93, and 99 for a 117.60 average.
Jacksonville State's Gianna Brandolino earned Tournament MVP honors after bowling a 1,226 for a 245.20 average.
On Sunday, the Wildcats matched up with Holy Family for the first best-of-seven bracket match. The Wildcats got off to a host start with a 225 to win the first game, but then fell behind, 2-1. The Wildcats won a close game four, 200-197, to tie the match, and then another close one, 185-183, to take a 3-2 lead. They put the Tigers away with 226-141 win in game six.
The Wildcats moved on to face Howard and went up on the Bison, 2-1, with a 198-179 win in game three. But the Bison fought back, winning the next three games to take the match, 4-2.
The Wildcats matched up with Holy Family again for the 33rd place game. The Tigers took the first game but then the Wildcats tied the game, 150-146, in game two. The Wildcats didn't let the Tigers stick around, winning the next three games to take the match, 4-1, including a decisive 200-161 win in game five.
The Wildcats are back in action next weekend, competing in the Griffin Baker Classic starting on January 31. The two-day event will be at the Bowlero Deptford, hosted by Chestnut Hill.