Harahan, La. -- The Youngstown State bowling team split its two matches on the opening day of the 2024 Conference USA Championship, which is being held at Colonial Lanes, on Friday.
The Penguins, who are the third seed in the tournament, beat sixth-seeded Sam Houston to open the day but fell to No. 2 Arkansas State in their second match. Youngstown State will now try to battle through the elimination bracket as play continues on Saturday.
"All the ladies really brought it today, and I'm really proud of them," said YSU head coach Doug Kuberski. "Our energy is powerful, and our shotmaking has been solid across the board. We are excited for tomorrow. The plan is to stay the course, stay together, and see where it takes us."
Competing in the mega-match format for the first time this season, the Penguins had a strong 10th frame to close out a 985-914 victory over the Bearkats in the traditional portion of the contest. All five Penguins marked, and YSU had five straight strikes as Kirsten Moore had a turkey to complete a 204 game and Madyson Marx threw two to wrap up a 198. Jade Cote had the highest score on the pair with a 214 from the anchor position.
The Penguins picked up their scoring pace during the Baker pinfall stage, but so did their opponents. A 200-160 edge in game three gave YSU a 19-pin lead, but Sam Houston fought back with a 237-189 advantage in the fourth game to take a 29-pin margin into the fifth game. Youngstown State opened with the front six, and Moore struck in the eighth to give the Penguins seven strikes in their first eight chances. YSU finished with a 249 while Sam Houston posted a 201, and Youngstown State claimed the point 1,030-1,011.
In the match against the second-seeded Red Wolves, Arkansas State got a huge boost from Maggie Thoma's 266 in the second spot in the lineup. A-State also had good fortune on a key split pickup in the 10th as it held off the Penguins for a 962-940 win in the traditional format. Moore had the top score among YSU bowlers with a 201.
Arkansas State opened the Baker phase with a 254 while YSU shot 234 in game one, but the Penguins were never able to make any ground. The Red Wolves followed with scores of 222 and 237 as they opened up a 59-pin lead after three games.
Youngstown State's journey through the elimination bracket will begin with a rematch against Sam Houston on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Eastern. Every match of the tournament is being broadcast live on ESPN+.
Match Results
Match 1 vs. Sam Houston (W, 2-0)
Traditional Format - W: 985-914
Baker Format - W: 1,030-1,011
Lineup: Grams, Doseck, Moore, Marx, Cote
- Game 1: 181-190 (-9)
- Game 2: 211-223 (-21)
- Game 3: 200-160 (+19)
- Game 4: 189-237 (-29)
- Game 5: 249-201 (+19)
Match 2 vs. Arkansas State (L, 2-0)
Traditional Format - L, 962-940
Baker Format - L, 1,096-1,010
Lineup: Grams, Drescher, Moore, Marx, Cote
- Game 1: 234-254 (-20)
- Game 2: 184-222 (-58)
- Game 3: 236-237 (-59)
- Game 4: 188-195 (-66)
- Game 5: 168-188 (-86)
