WALLINGFORD, Conn. (Oct. 23, 2016) - The Molloy College women's bowling team ventured to Wallingford, Conn. on Saturday (Oct. 22) to participate in the Sacred Heart University Bowl for the Cure Invitational. The Lions faced the toughest field they have ever competed against as each team in the field were ranked in the latest poll by the National Tenpin Coaches Association (NTCA).
First up was ECC rival Kutztown University and the fourth-ranked Golden Bears escaped with a 16-pin victory, 857-841. The Lions had stellar performances from
Jennifer Bisogno (Toms River, N.J.),
Marisa Clinton (Staten Island, N.Y.) and
Carly Licht (Bethpage, N.Y.). Bisogno bowled a 202 while Clinton added a 196 and Licht posted a 181 in defeat to Kutztown. In the next match against ninth-ranked Caldwell University, Bisogno's 179 was not enough to lift the maroon and white over the Cougars in a 789-746 defeat. The Lions would face tenth-ranked Felician University in another East Coast Conference battle. Bisogno bowled a 235 while Licht had a 174 as the Lions earned their first win against a nationally-ranked opponent. Molloy triumphed over the Golden Falcons by an 851-776 score. The good feelings did not continue, though, as Franklin Pierce University overwhelmed Molloy to the tune of a 908-754 decision. The last match for Molloy was against No. 13 Sacred Heart University, the hosts of the tournament and the reigning champions of the Northeast Conference. The Pioneers claimed a 92-pin victory with a 1003-911 decision, but the Lions were able to record their highest match score in program history by topping the 900-pin plateau for the first time ever.
Individually, Bisogno collected a milestone performance with an All-Tournament Team selection. The freshman held a 1005-pin total and a 201 average game, capturing the third-highest pin total in the field. It was the first time that a Lion qualified for an All-Tournament team in an NCAA event in program history. Bisogno was also successful in the singles tournament, claiming a third-place semifinal bid and finishing as the top bowler from the East Coast Conference. The Lions were 1-4 on the day and stand 3-7 on the season and return to action on Sunday (Oct. 29) at Stevens University.
