Orlando, Fla. — Youngstown State's bowling team won its final two matches to end the opening day of the Destination Orlando event on Friday on a high note.

The Penguins had their highest two sets to open the day in close losses to No. 9 Louisiana Tech and No. 19 Tulane. YSU then had to grind through low scores as the day went on but was able to win twice at AMF Sky Lanes.

Youngstown State trailed by 111 pins after two games against the Lady Techsters to start the morning, and it shaved 73 pins off of the margin over the next two games to get within striking distance. Louisiana Tech outscored the Penguins 219-217 in the final game to win 1,012-972.

The Penguins continued their run of 200 games with a 205 in the opening game against Tulane, and they led the Green Wave by 49 after three games. Tulane fired a 264 in the fourth game to pull ahead by six, and YSU opened in the 10th of game five in a 982-978 loss.

YSU then dropped its third match 823-781 to Prairie View A&M before bouncing back with two straight wins. The Penguins shot 237 in game five to rally for a 936-878 win over Bryant, and YSU beat No. 21 Valparaiso 873-849.

Youngstown State is 16th in total pinfall with six more games of qualifying remaining. Play will continue at 8:25 a.m. with five traditional matches.

Friday's Baker Match Results

Match 1: Loss — 972-1,012 vs. No. 9 Louisiana Tech
Match 2: Loss — 978-982 vs. No. 19 Tulane
Match 3: Loss — 781-823 vs. Prairie View A&M
Match 4: Win — 936-878 vs. Bryant
Match 5: Win — 873-849 vs. No. 21 Valparaiso