JONESBORO, Ark. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College women's bowling team opened the new year at the Midwinter Classic hosted by Arkansas State University, placing 17th with a record of 5-8 while four individuals placed in the Top 40.

On day one of the tournament the Panthers went 2-3 in traditional team matches.  Wesleyan defeated Nebraska by a total pin count of 970 to 896 and Lincoln Memorial at 924 to 850.  The Panthers suffered losses to Maryville (936-819), Stephen F. Austin (977-877) and Tulane (877-846).

In Bakers, Wesleyan went 2-3 once again, defeating Alabama A&M and Lincoln Memorial while falling to Texas Southern, Alabama-Birmingham and nationally-ranked No. 3 Vanderbilt.

Entering the final day of bracket play, the Panthers earned the No. 16 seed and suffered a pair of losses to No. 24 Central Missouri and Alabama State before defeating Texas Southern in the final match of the day to finish 17th.

Wesleyan averaged 178 pins over the 65 games.  Alyssa Zombirt placed 38th with an average of 188.4 pins while Angelique McHeny took 34th at 187.2 pins.  Erika Sisk and Kayla Payne took 38th and 39th respectively with averages of 185.0 and 184.8.

The Panthers return to action on January 19 and 20 and the Kegel/ISBPA Midwest Collegiate Classic in Addison, Ill.

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