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Erie Community College

Kats Compete at NJCAA Bowling National Championships

Kats Compete at NJCAA Bowling National Championships

The **SUNY Erie Community College men’s and women’s bowling teams competed against the top junior college programs in the country at the NJCAA Bowling National Championships, with the men finishing sixth overall and the women placing 12th.

Men’s Recap

The Kats men’s team totaled 12,947 pins across the event to earn a sixth-place national finish. The team rolled 5,849 pins in minor events, followed by 2,651 pins in Team Round 1 and 2,731 pins in Team Round 2 before finishing the tournament with 1,716 pins in Baker competition. 

Individually, Alex Sandford led Erie in the All-Events standings, finishing 18th overall with 2,335 pins across singles, doubles and team play.  Sandford also placed 26th in singles, rolling games of 173, 224 and 216 for a 613 series.

Several other Kats contributed strong performances throughout the tournament:

  • Marc D’Amico finished 25th in All-Events with 2,285 pins and placed 29th in singles with a 611 series.

  • Nicolas Galligan placed 26th in All-Events with 2,282 pins, highlighted by a 704 doubles series, one of the top doubles totals in the field. 

  • Zachary Spengler finished 37th in All-Events with 2,181 pins, while Jacob Clark added a 94th-place finish with 1,725 pins. 

Despite the result, head coach Dave Zajac credited his team for battling through the event.  “Unfortunately, this week didn't go as any of us had hoped, but the guys did not give up throughout the entire event. Too many missed single pin or easy spares, compiled with unfortunate maximum penalty for other errant shots, led to our finishing position. The guys did rebound score wise in the baker portion, which we are hopeful will carry over to USBC Sectionals next weekend in Pittsburgh. One last ride for our six sophomores, to take on a field of other teams ranked in the top eighty in the country, for them to represent the program they have proudly represented for the last two years.” “

On the women’s side, Erie finished 12th overall with 8,698 total pins in the team standings. The Kats recorded 3,794 pins in minor events, 1,928 pins in Team Round 1, and 1,771 pins in Team Round 2, while adding 1,205 pins during Baker play.

Individually, several Erie bowlers posted solid showings in the All-Events standings:

  • Olivia Bell led the Kats women, finishing with 1,645 total pins.

  • Alyssa McCarthy followed with 1,611 pins in All-Events competition.

  • Olivia Marello recorded 1,698 pins.

"The ladies wrapped up their nationals event with a flurry of highlights. Individually Gracelyn had the highest single with 183, followed closely by Olivia M (182), Alyssa (178), Olivia B (160) and Isabella nearly toppling her personal high game rolling a 136. As a team they recorded their highest baker game of 189. Our three sophomores, Bell, Swan and Garcia, will be sorely missed next season, but their tenure as lady kats was marked with personal bests and some tournament victories. We wish them the absolute best in their futures on and off the lanes," said Zajac.