- Feb 7

MEN'S FINISH SECOND IN SWIBC CHAMPIONSHIP

The SNU Crimson Storm Men’s and Women’s Teams wrapped up the regular season at the SWIBC Championship in San Antonio, Texas on February 3rd and 4th. The year one campaign has been outstanding for the SNU Men’s Team and the Crimson Storm Women’s Team has fought through some unexpected circumstances to gain valuable experience for the future of the Women’s program.

The SNU Men’s Team entered the SWIBC Championship ranked #22 in the Nation and earned the 3rd seed in Bracket Play after two days and nine games of qualifying. “This was a challenging pattern and the guys battled the entire qualifying block,” said Coach Jeffreys. “We had some adversity at this event with our lead off player, freshman Tobias Hurte, was unable to bowl due to a sudden illness. Tobias tried to give it a go during practice but just could not perform. Tobias is such a big part of our lineup. Other players stepped up their game and we worked our way to bracket play on Sunday.” The Top 4 teams qualified for Bracket Play on Sunday.

The Crimson Storm Men’s Team earned a best 3 of 5 match against the host school, University of Texas, San Antonio while the number one qualifying school, Newman University was matched up against number 4 qualifier, Drury University. SNU got off to a slow start and lost Game 1 in Baker Format, 225-192. “UTSA earned lane choice and it was obvious the right lane was the more difficult lane,” said Coach Jeffreys. “We struggled on the right lane and Game 2 we moved to the left lane and got dialed in and won 219-181. If either team could get lined up on the right lane, they were probably going to earn the win.”

Both SNU and UTSA struggled Game 3. Key 9th and 10th frames sealed the win for SNU as the Crimson Storm found a way on the right lane and won Game 3, 153-144. “Game 3 was a survival situation and we managed to perform in the final frames to get the win,” said Coach Jeffreys. Game 4 was back on the left lane for us and we matched up extremely well and shot 244 and earned a spot in the title match.”

The win against UTSA set up the championship match between #5 in the nation, Newman University and SNU. “We have battled Newman all season and I felt we were ready for the best 3 of 5 championship match, said Coach Jeffreys. “The changing lane conditions were brutal but I felt we had somewhat of a slight advantage with our look.”

The Crimson Storm charged out on Game 1 of the Championship on fire. SNU earned the win 234-192 in the best 3 of 5 match. “We made great shots during Game 1 and there was absolutely no intimidation factor by the stacked Newman team,” said Coach Jeffreys. “Newman is really good and to bowl that strong of a Game 1, I really thought we were finally going to be dialed in for an opportunity for the win.”

Game 2 seemed to wake up the sleeping giant. Newman began to deliver key shots by stringing together seven strikes in a row and earning the Game 2 win 245-196. “There is no defense in this game and when the team you are going up against is stringing strikes you have to focus on your game and not worry what your opponent is bowling,” said Coach Jeffreys. “We made some great shots but we could not carry in critical frames and that happens. It’s part of the game. Now the match was even 1-1 and I still felt good about our opportunity to win.”

The next two games were all Newman. The Crimson Storm fell short Game 3, 223-178 and Game 4, 211-186. “To be in the position to win a conference championship year one is awesome,” Said Coach Jeffreys. “The process of learning how to win takes place on and off the lanes and I believe we are utilizing the experiences of this first season to move forward with the process toward winning. It’s not easy to win and the value of being in position to win and learning how to perform under pressure will do nothing but help this program. Remember, this program is primarily freshman with a ton of opportunity to win over the next few years. Newman has a tradition rich program and an enormous amount of talent and deserved the win in San Antonio. But, I am really proud of what this Men’s Team has done this season.”

The SNU Women’s team experienced some unforeseen circumstances and bowled the SWIBC Championship with only four players. Still, there was an opportunity to earn a position on the All-Tournament Team and two of the four Crimson Storm Women earned a spot on the SWIBC Championship All-Tournament Team. Freshman Sienna Stoner averaged 183.8 earned her 5th All-Tournament Team award and freshman, Makena Cruz averaged 170.3 earned All-Tournament Team honors on a challenging lane pattern. “It has been a great season for both Sienna and Makena,” said Coach Jeffreys. “Both Sienna and Makena will continue to work hard in getting ready for the ISC’s in March.

Freshman, Connor Anderson earned a spot on the Men’s All-Tournament Team averaging 204.4 and finished 2nd in the individual standings to Newman’s Silas Limes who averaged 208.

Additional awards were earned and presented at the SWIBC Championship. Sienna Stoner was the 2024 SWIBC Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year while Connor Anderson earned 2024 Rookie of the Year. “Honestly, Sienna and Connor are two of the top freshman in the Nation,” said Coach Jeffreys. “The awards earned this season is just the beginning of a fantastic college bowling career for both of these student athletes. We are very fortunate to have Sienna and Connor on campus.”

Next up for SNU Bowling, Sectional placement will be announced on February 21st and the Men’s team will be working toward Sectionals and the Intercollegiate Singles Championships in March. Stay tuned for more information on SNU Bowling on snubowling.com and Facebook @ SNUbowling.

BRACKET PLAY RESULTS