Jacksonville State’s bowling team capped a dominant 103-10 season with its second NCAA collegiate bowling national championship, defeating Wichita State 4-1 in a best-of-seven title match.The Gamecocks dropped the opening game 216-208 after Wichita State closed with six consecutive strikes, but quickly rebounded and controlled the remainder of the match.Jacksonville State answered with a 246-213 victory in Game 2, sparked by opening strikes from Erin Klemencic, Emma Yoder and Kaitlyn Stull. Gianna Brandolino sealed the win with strikes in the 10th frame.>> A MOMENT OF JOY: News We LoveThe Gamecocks carried that momentum into Game 3, overcoming an early open frame with seven straight strikes to secure a 240-196 win and take a 2-1 lead.“We knew we needed to make an adjustment on the left lane, but we stayed confident in our decisions,” coach Shannon O’Keefe said. “Then Annalise and Gianna did what they do, and it worked in our favor.”Jacksonville State extended its advantage in Game 4, opening with four consecutive strikes while Wichita State managed mostly spares. The Gamecocks built a sizable lead before the break and closed out a 185-169 win to move within one game of the title.In Game 5, Jacksonville State rallied late. A ninth-frame strike from Annalise O’Bryant cut the deficit, and Brandolino delivered in the 10th with a pair of strikes and a final nine-pin count to secure the championship.>> FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: Facebook | YouTube | Tik Tok | Instagram“Every championship is different because of the people you share it with,” O’Keefe said. “This is a young team, but it’s an incredibly talented group.”Klemencic was named the tournament’s most outstanding bowler after posting a 266 Baker average during Friday’s opening rounds and recording five strikes in the championship match. Stull and Brandolino also earned all-tournament honors.The Gamecocks will look to add to their title run next week in Green Bay, Wisconsin, at the U.S. Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Team and Singles Championships. Stull, Brandolino and Yoder are set to compete in the singles event.
CLEVELAND —
Jacksonville State’s bowling team capped a dominant 103-10 season with its second NCAA collegiate bowling national championship, defeating Wichita State 4-1 in a best-of-seven title match.
The Gamecocks dropped the opening game 216-208 after Wichita State closed with six consecutive strikes, but quickly rebounded and controlled the remainder of the match.
Jacksonville State answered with a 246-213 victory in Game 2, sparked by opening strikes from Erin Klemencic, Emma Yoder and Kaitlyn Stull. Gianna Brandolino sealed the win with strikes in the 10th frame.
>> A MOMENT OF JOY: News We Love
The Gamecocks carried that momentum into Game 3, overcoming an early open frame with seven straight strikes to secure a 240-196 win and take a 2-1 lead.
“We knew we needed to make an adjustment on the left lane, but we stayed confident in our decisions,” coach Shannon O’Keefe said. “Then Annalise and Gianna did what they do, and it worked in our favor.”
Jacksonville State extended its advantage in Game 4, opening with four consecutive strikes while Wichita State managed mostly spares. The Gamecocks built a sizable lead before the break and closed out a 185-169 win to move within one game of the title.
In Game 5, Jacksonville State rallied late. A ninth-frame strike from Annalise O’Bryant cut the deficit, and Brandolino delivered in the 10th with a pair of strikes and a final nine-pin count to secure the championship.
>> FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: Facebook | YouTube | Tik Tok | Instagram
“Every championship is different because of the people you share it with,” O’Keefe said. “This is a young team, but it’s an incredibly talented group.”
Klemencic was named the tournament’s most outstanding bowler after posting a 266 Baker average during Friday’s opening rounds and recording five strikes in the championship match. Stull and Brandolino also earned all-tournament honors.
The Gamecocks will look to add to their title run next week in Green Bay, Wisconsin, at the U.S. Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Team and Singles Championships. Stull, Brandolino and Yoder are set to compete in the singles event.
Jacksonville State University