SAU Completes Conference Sweep, Secure Fifth Straight CL Title

Crossroads League Championships Central

INDIANAPOLIS – The Spring Arbor University women's bowling team put the finishing touch on a historic conference season, capturing first place at Crossroads League Tournament #3 to complete a sweep of all four league tournaments for the first time in program history.

The Cougars topped the eight-team field by more than 200 pins, totaling a tournament-best 5180 pins. Marian University finished second with 4941 while Goshen College placed third at 4863.

With the victory, SAU secured the Crossroads League regular season championship, marking the program's fifth straight regular season title. The championship also earned the Cougars an automatic berth to the NAIA National Championship, where they will look to defend their national title.

Individually, Kayla Tafanelli led the way for the Cougars, placing third overall in a field of nearly 80 bowlers. Tafanelli collected 609 pins over three games, averaging 203 pins per game. Mackenzie Pilny followed closely behind in fifth place with 607 pins while Abigail Hamilton rounded out SAU's top performers with a 10th-place finish, collecting 566 pins.

Spring Arbor will next compete at the USBC Intercollegiate Team and Individual Sectionals on Mar. 14-15. The NAIA National Championship is scheduled for Mar. 20-22 at Royal Scot in Lansing, Michigan.