Story And Photo Courtesy Of GCU.
Pictured Is: GCU Bowling Teams.
Las Vegas - - - For the first time ever, the Grand Canyon University Bowling Team sent all four of its teams (varsity men, JV1 men, JV2 men, and women) to Las Vegas, Nevada for the Glenn Carlson Las Vegas Invitational and the Collegiate Shootout, and came away with strong results.
The GCU varsity squad started slow at the Glenn Carlson Invitational, but knocked down just enough pins to make it into the bracket play on the second day as the 15th seed. From there, they upset 2-seeded Tennessee Wesleyan University before exiting in the Round of 8. Juan Canez led the way for the Lopes in the first tournament, shooting two clutch 260+ games on Day 2 of the tournament to propel the Lopes to match play.
The success continued at the Collegiate Shootout as the varsity squad qualified for match play as the 7-seed, marking their first-ever match-play appearance at the event.
"The guys responded really well to some early struggles during the week," said GCU Bowler Head Coach Ben Canfield. "They proved they're able to compete with the best teams in the country when they play at their best."
The Lopes' JV teams both dominated the field in the seeding play at the Glenn Carlson Invitational. In the first round of match play, GCUJV1 beat GCU JV2 in a head-to-head matchup to advance to the finals and knock out William Penn University for the trophy. The ensuing Collegiate Shootout was highlighted by a 279-pinfall Baker game by the JV2 squad (the highest total for any GCU Baker game on the week) and a 59-pin deficit comeback from the JV1 team to beat Davenport University in the championship match.
Lastly, the GCU women hit the lanes for their first events of the season, shooting their highest team-game total in several seasons at the Collegiate Shootout. The Lady Lopes were led by Emma Ashbaugh and Raelynn Boswell, who both turned in top-50 finishes during the week.
"It was awesome to see the entire program experience competing at the South Point Bowling Plaza," said Canfield. "The environment there is always great, and our team culture and chemistry were able to shine on such a big stage."
Next up, the Lopes defend their home alley of Glenfair Lanes, inviting eight teams to their home venue on January 13 and 14.
PLAYERS MENTIONED
5' 11"
Sophomore
5' 5"
Senior
5' 10"
Junior