HARROGATE, Tenn. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College women's bowling team returned to the lanes this weekend, placing fifth in the three-day Railsplitter Classic hosted by Lincoln Memorial University.

The Panthers entered the weekend ranked 18th in the nation in the NTCA Power Index Rankings and 23rd in the NTCA Coach's Poll.  Wesleyan had previously received votes in their inaugural season but this is the first time in program history that they've cracked the Top 25.

Six of the eight teams at the Railsplitter Classic were nationally-ranked.  Wesleyan qualified fourth with a 5-5 record and average of 180.7 pins per game in the first two days of competition.

Sunday's Championship bracket saw the Panthers fall to Tusculum and Mercyhurst before picking up a win over No. 19 Valparaiso to finish fifth.

Alyssa Zombirt placed seventh for the third straight tournament, averaging 205.80 with three games over 200.  Sam Bugno just missed a Top 10 finish, placing 11th at 196.60.  Lauren Meagher averaged 173.20 to finish 21st.

The Panthers travel to Chicago, Ill. this weekend for the Flyer Classic hosted by Lewis University.  The three-day tournament begins on Feb. 12.

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