Youngstown State University
Hawk Classic Invitational
Mendez Places 11th, Penguins Go 3-2 on Saturday at Hawk Classic Invitational
11/23/2019 12:00:00 AM | Bowling
Youngstown State senior Nikki Mendez placed 11th individually to pace the Penguins' bowling team on Saturday at the Hawk Classic Invitational at Millsboro Lanes in Millsboro, Del.
Mendez posted a five-game total of 1,043 to help YSU go 3-2 in head-to-head matches. Mendez's day was highlighted by a 256 in her fourth game in which she struck in the first eight frames.
The Penguins finished the two days of qualifying in eighth place as they dropped two spots in the standings from Friday.
"It was an up-and-down day, and we have a few things to clean up for tomorrow," YSU head coach Doug Kuberski said. "Overall, I like the way we battled without our best stuff and were able to string some strikes together at key moments. We'll look to be more consistent across the board heading into tomorrow."
Youngstown State began the day by edging LIU 892-877, and it fell 1,039-992 to tournament host Maryland Eastern Shore to even its record at 1-1. The Penguins then topped Lincoln Memorial 983-967, and Mendez keyed a 1,048-920 victory over Delaware State to get YSU to 3-1 on the day. Youngstown State dropped its final match 1,075-871 to Sacred Heart as the Pioneers fired the best total of the round.
Following Mendez, senior Rachel Darrow broke 200 three times and shot 1,011 on the day to finish 22nd. While Mendez rolled a 256 against Delaware State, Darrow nearly matched her with a 256. Emma Dockery placed 30th with a 983, and Emma Wrenn was 56th with an 898.
Sam Houston State was the top qualifier, followed by Arkansas State, Sacred Heart and Vanderbilt.
The Penguins will begin bracket play against North Carolina A&T at 8:25 a.m.
