Cougars Finish Runner-Up at Clarke Invite

DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Columbia College bowling team began their 2024 campaign at the Clarke Invite over the weekend, finishing runner-up in a field of eight.

The Cougars finished third in qualifying and in power points standings, while also posting four individuals in the top-25.

Freshman Rhyleigh Wilson led the Cougars on day one, placing eighth overall with a score of 902, her highest collegiate finish to date.

Senior Breanne West finished 12th at 874, Jordyn Czerw took 21st with a score of 762, while Samantha Malley came in right behind in 22nd place at 753.

Columbia competed in 16 Baker games on day two of the Clarke Invite in which they took third.

In match play, the No. 3-seeded Cougars saw a 2-0 sweep over No. 2-seeded Culver-Stockton (Mo.) to begin Baker match play (158-142, 182-159), which would advance them to the championship match.

Columbia took on No.1-seeded Ottawa (Kan.) in the championship Baker match, falling 3-1, (179-142, 172-162, 146-125, 209-157).

The Cougars averaged 161 across 16 Baker games, with their highest strike percentage at 31.7.

Qualifying (5 Team Games / 16 Baker Games):

1. Ottawa
2. Culver Stockton
3. Columbia – 6628
4. Viterbo
5. Augustana
6. Peru St.
7. Iowa Central
8. Clarke

Columbia returns to action Jan. 27-28 at the Eagle Invite in Belton, Mo.