Addison, Ill.—USM bowl was finally back in action this weekend at the Kegel ISBPA Collegiate Classic in Chicago for their first competition since Christmas break. The Spires competed strongly at this Tier 1 tournament as they worked out a few kinks from the long break without competition.
Athletes
Brooklyn Smith,
Emma Gorton,
Jada Garrett,
Jordan Reynolds, and
Leanna Larson competed on the women's side. Through five games on Saturday Smith threw the best game with an impressive overall total of 1002,
Leanna Larson threw another strong score landing herself with a total of 878,
Emma Gorton threw 827,
Jordan Reynolds earned herself a final of 806, and
Jada Garrett threw a final total of 673, earning the USM women a total of 4186.
On Sunday, through 16 Baker games, the women again finished strong with a total of 2709. This gave them a tournament average of 169.3, aiding in their final finish on the weekend in 37
th place out of 55 competing teams.
On the men's side, Spire athletes
Alex Prescott, Dantoine Ballard,
Emilio Gutierrez,
Kalym Henry, and
Zaylen Dear represented USM. Ballard scored the highest in the tournament, earning himself an overall total of 1022, Dear was next up with a strong 994 overall performance,
Kalym Henry was close behind with a 942 finish, teammates
Alex Prescott and
Emilio Gutierrez both finished strong with a final of 923 and 865, respectively, giving the Spire men an overall score of 4746.
Through Sunday's Baker games, the Spire men had an excellent showing finishing with a total of 3003 through 16 games, coming out to a 187.7 tournament average. This would bolster a final 42
nd place for the men out of 68 competing varsity teams.
Up next, the Spires will have a short turnaround and compete a little closer to home in Belton, Missouri at the Eagle Invite on Saturday, January 24
th and Sunday, January 25
th.