Harrison Lilley

Photo Editor

hjl5363@psu.edu 

ERIE, Pa. – The Penn State Behrend women’s bowling team opened the Grapevine Classic with a 2-3 record, placing them in sixth position after the first day of competition on Saturday, October 14. The day saw some intense action on the lanes as the Lions battled through five matches, leaving their mark in the traditional format.

The Lions began their campaign with a convincing win over La Roche, finishing the match with a total score of 846, while their opponents managed 764. The victory set a positive tone for the team as they looked to make their presence felt in the tournament.

In the second match of the day, Roberts Wesleyan proved to be a formidable adversary, defeating Penn State Behrend with a final score of 901 to 781. Despite the loss, the Lions displayed their competitive spirit and determination, showing that they were ready to take on any challenge.

Match three saw the Lions securing another win, this time against Ursuline, with a score of 756 to 706. Junior Sidney Batsa, hailing from Latrobe, PA, played a pivotal role in this victory, leading the team with a remarkable average of 169.00. Batsa’s outstanding performance also placed her 19th overall in the individual standings.

Teammate Bella Pilyih, from Pittsburgh, PA, was not far behind Batsa. She closed the day with a traditional average of 165.40, showcasing her consistency and contributing to the team’s overall performance.

Katy Richardson, representing Hamburg, NY, delivered a memorable moment in the Lions’ opening match by tallying a team-high 182 against La Roche, a key factor in securing the victory.

The Lions continued to display their strength in the third match as Batsa once again led the charge with a score of 177. This strong performance contributed significantly to their win over Ursuline.

In their final match of the day against Daemen, Bella Pilyih stepped up with an impressive score of 203, marking the highest individual score for Penn State Behrend in the competition. Although the Lions narrowly lost the match with a final score of 792 to 778, Pilyih’s remarkable performance stood out as a testament to her skill and dedication.

As day one of the Grapevine Classic came to a close, the Penn State Behrend women’s bowling team found themselves in sixth place, looking to regroup and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. With the determination and talent displayed on the lanes, they remain poised for a strong showing in the remaining matches of the tournament.