LANSING, Mich. – The SCAD women's bowling team finished as the Runner-Up at the 6^th Annual NAIA Women's Bowling National Championship on Saturday.
 
Prior to the start of the tournament, the NAIA announced this season's major award winners and All-Americans. SCAD's Elizabeth Weeks was named the NAIA Player of the Year and earned a spot on the NAIA All-American First Team, while Carly Zuklin was named to the NAIA All-American Third Team.
 
The tournament featured the debut of the high-states Mega Match format, where teams must claim two of three points – a traditional team game, a five0game Baker total pinfall set, and if necessary, a best of seven Baker match play in the winner's bracket. The elimination bracket featured best of seven Baker match play.
 
The Bees entered the final with intentions of securing a fourth championship in five seasons. After a dramatic journey through the bracket, SCAD finished the tournament with its fifth championship-match appearance in program history.
 
No. 4 SCAD began the tournament with a bye in the first round before defeating No. 12 St. Francis 2-1 in round two. Following a 2-0 loss to No. 1 Mount Mercy in the third round, the Bees moved into the elimination bracket. SCAD kept its title hopes alive with a gritty 4-3 quarterfinal victory over No. 5 Spring Arbor.
 
In the blue bracket semifinal, the Bees faced a rematch with top-seeded Mount Mercy. SCAD defeated the Mustangs to force an "if necessary" game, where the Bees prevailed 4-2 to punch their ticket to the final against Pikeville.
 
The championship Mega Match opened with a traditional singles game. Paris Mendones led all scorers with a 224, while Carly Zuklin added a 213. Despite the strong individual efforts at the top of the lineup, Pikeville claimed the first point with a 996-922 total.
 
SCAD responded in the five-game Baker set, totaling 1034 to edge out Pikeville's 974. The Bees found their rhythm late in the set, closing with games of 212 and 225 to tie the match 1-1.
 
With the title on the line, the match moved to a best-of-seven Baker matchplay. Pikeville took the early momentum, including a one-pin victory in the second game, to win the session 4-0 and secure the 2-1 Mega Match win.
 
The runner-up finish concludes a week defined by resilience, as the Bees navigated multiple elimination matches on Friday and Saturday to reach the final stage.
 
The Bees continue their postseason run with a trip to Green Bay, Wisc. for the Intercollegiate Team Championship on April 15-18.