Youngstown State University
Arkansas State
Penguins Bow Out of Southland Bowling League Championship
3/20/2021 12:00:00 AM | Bowling
The Youngstown State bowling team fought but came up short against top-seeded Arkansas State in an elimination match at the Southland Bowling League Championship on Saturday.
The fourth-seeded Penguins finished with a 1-2 record at the tournament and finished in a tie for fifth place.
Youngstown State didn't achieve its goal of winning the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, but the Penguins will keep practicing with the hope of earning one of 10 at-large invitations.
"As we like to say, the results and outcomes don't always reflect the quality of the process and execution. This ring very true at this event, which was one of our best of the season," said YSU head coach Doug Kuberski. "I thought we bowled well enough to win again today, and much like yesterday, you tip your cap and move forward."
"I'm so proud of the heart, toughness and togetherness this team showed. Our spirits are high, and we are going to carry our momentum into practice this coming week."
The Penguins posted an impressive 1,029 in the traditional competition against Arkansas State, but the Red Wolves countered with a 1,055 to earn the narrow win. Sarah Florence closed out a team-high 225 game by throwing the final six strikes, and all five Penguins bowled at least 194. Kirsten Moore and Emma Dockery joined Florence above 200. Arkansas State's first two bowlers bowled a 234 and 257, respectively.
The Red Wolves began Baker play with a 249 to gain a 91-pin edge, but Youngstown State answered with a 239 to 157 edge in the second game to close the gap to nine pins and get right back in the match. YSU gained two pins over the next two games, but Arkansas State won the final game 226-173 to close out the win.
On Friday, YSU lost 2-1 to Sam Houston in a match that went to game seven of the best-of-seven Baker series and beat Valparaiso 2-0.
Third-seeded Vanderbilt advanced through the winners bracket and will bowl for the title on Sunday against either Louisiana Tech or Sam Houston.
