The SCAD bowling teams competed at the ITC and ISC Nationals in Las Vegas this past week. The competitions brought together the top collegiate bowlers from all areas and divisions to battle for the ultimate prize of being named national champion.
Individual Competition: ISC Nationals
At the ISC National championship, SCAD featured two standout qualifiers: Lara Kurt and Gael Egana. Kurt faced a tough opponent in the first round, battling Melia Mitskavich from Jacksonville State. Despite her best efforts, Kurt fell short with a score of 534-680.
Gael Egana made a memorable run through the tournament captivating fans, teammates, and spectators as he advanced to the semifinals. Egana first defeated Isaiah Shannon from Wright State with a score of 673-597, igniting his momentum. He then delivered an impressive performance against Brandon Bonta from Wichita State, finishing with a impressive 811-742 victory. Continuing his strong showing, he overcame Braden Mallasch, also from Wichita State, with a score of 685-633. However, his remarkable run came to an end in the semifinals against Nicholas Blagojevich from McKendree University, where he fought valiantly but lost 187-222. Egana's resilience and competitive spirit left his mark on the competition.
Team Competition: ITC Nationals
As the teams prepared for the ITC competition, excitement filled the air. Teams were seeded based on their performances in 24 baker games during the qualifying rounds. The SCAD women's team qualified as the 8th seed with a total score of 4694, while the men's team achieved the top seed with a remarkable score of 5266, punctuated by a thrilling baker 300 in their final game. The men's qualifying score ranks as the third highest in ITC National qualifying history.
Women's Team Performance
The women's team began their tournament with a commanding 4-0 victory over Central Missouri. However, they faced a formidable challenge in the next round against the top-seeded Jacksonville State, where they fell 4-1. Undeterred, the team regrouped in the losers' bracket, showcasing their grit with a decisive 4-0 win over Stephen F. Austin. Unfortunately, their journey came to a heart-wrenching end in a close match against Mt. St. Mary's, losing 4-3 and exiting the tournament. Their tenacity and teamwork were evident, leaving fans and supporters proud of their performance overall.
Men's Team Performance
The men's team also started strong, defeating Muskingum 4-1 in their opening match, energizing their supporters. However, they faced a setback against Wisconsin Whitewater, suffering a narrow 4-3 defeat that left them with work to do on day two. On the second day, they encountered a tough challenge against Trine University, where they were eliminated after a hard-fought battle, losing 4.5-0.5. Despite the disappointment, the team's spirit and camaraderie shone through.
The SCAD bowling teams have concluded their season with pride, having demonstrated exceptional skill, resilience, and sportsmanship. Both teams proudly claimed championships in the Southern States Athletic Conference, setting the stage for their national competition. Their journey, filled with both triumphs and challenges, reflects the heart and dedication of these artist-athletes.
