Reading, Pa. – The women's bowling team kicked off the 2018-19 season by claiming third-place at the annual Bud Whitman Memorial Tournament, hosted by Kutztown University. In the effort, the Lions picked up two victories against nationally-ranked opponents, and head coach Dr. Robert Cincotta secured his 600^th career NCAA victory.
 
How it Happened

• Molloy began the tournament 0-3, falling to Youngstown (904-834), #7 Kutztown (926-841), and #13 Saint Francis University (921-845).
• The tides changed, however, for the maroon and white against #11 Medaille University, picking up an 885-839 victory.
• The first day of competition concluded with a close 870-800 victory over Roberts Wesleyan College and the Lions ranked ninth in the tournament standings.
• The Lions' winning streak continued into the second day of play, starting off with an 852-751 win over Coppin State University, featuring a 213-pin effort from sophomore Christie Warmingham.
• Up next, Molloy picked up its second victory over a nationally-ranked opponent, besting #20 Duquesne, 934-814. Sophomores Carly Licht and Jennifer Bisogno each topped 200 pins, bowling games of 246 and 205, respectively.
• The pair combined for 457 pins in the Lions' 958-854 trounce of Howard University for Coach Cincotta's 600^th victory.
• Trailing by over 100 pins against Daemen College, Molloy stunned with 10 strikes in the final two frames to inch out an 874-833 victory, highlighted by 298 pins from sophomore Mackenzie Wagner.
• Molloy's six-game winning streak came to an end to end the tournament as they were downed, 965-939 by #3 Adelphi University.

 
Top Performances

• Warmingham was named to the All-Tournament team at the conclusion of the first day of competition, putting up a 19.7 fill frame average.
• Licht totaled 1017 pins in the second day, averaging 204.3, and was selected first on the All-Tournament team.
• Molloy's third-place finish is the best performance at an NCAA tournament in the program's history.

 
Coach's Comments
"I believe our success this week was built on the solid foundation we set during pre-season," explained Coach Cincotta. "Our ladies have worked very diligently on their conditioning and lane play and we hope it carries us to even greater success this season.
 
Up Next
Molloy will return to the lanes on Saturday (Oct. 20) at Sacred Heart University's Bowl for a Cure in Fairfield, Conn.