The William Smith College bowling team defeated Fayetteville State University in the opening match of the 2024 NCAA National Collegiate Bowling Championship Rochester Regional. The Herons swept the Broncos in the elimination mega match winning the team point 912-844 and eking out an 856-854 win to take the 5-game Baker total pinfall series.
Sophomore Caitlyn Anschutz led the Herons in the team match, rolling the only 200-game for either team. She amassed nine strikes on her way to a 263. Junior Michaela Morgan posted the second highest score, finishing with a 192. Freshman Colleen Jump added a 189 for William Smith.
In the 5-game Baker total pinfall series, the Herons won the first two games to build a 16-pin advantage. The Broncos pulled back seven pins in the third game, but William Smith won the fourth 188-169 and carried a 28-pin lead into the final game. FSU fought valiantly, but ultimately fell two pins shy of extending the match to a best of 7 Baker. Morgan put the pressure on the Bronco's anchor bowler, by posting three strikes in the 10th frame of the final game.
COACH'S CORNER
Post-match interview with William Smith Head Coach Heather Sterner: https://youtu.be/ipOjfPdSvZw?
PLAYER'S PERSPECTIVE
Post-match interview with Caitlyn Anschutz: https://youtu.be/YhPxeKTo3uA?
FOR THE RECORD
- William Smith earned its 50th win of the season, improving to 50-21 overall.
- Fayetteville State ends its season at 60-15.
UP NEXT
- The Herons will face Arkansas State at 9 a.m. Friday, April 5. The Red Wolves (82-26) are ranked second in the nation in the latest NTCA poll and were the 2023 NCAA runner-up.