ERIE, Pa. — Daemen Women's Bowling opened the sixth annual Mercyhurst Invitational by finishing fourth in the traditional qualifying block with 4,336 total pins.

The Wildcats had strong individual performances in five traditional matches against a talented regional field. Daemen secured two match victories and posted competitive totals throughout the block. The Wildcats' best effort came in Match 5, where the team posted a score of 922.
 

• Match 1: Daemen 899, Mercyhurst 843
• Match 2: Daemen 878 (No opponent; total pins only)
• Match 3: Daemen 787, Niagara 1,027
• Match 4: Daemen 850, Duquesne 869
• Match 5: Daemen 922, Hilbert 770

Individually, Kenzie Smolnik (Rochester, N.Y.) led the Wildcats with a standout 990 series, placing fifth out of 57 bowlers. Smolnik opened with a 240 and closed with a 226, averaging 198. Brenna Forsha (Tonawanda, N.Y.) added an 891 series, finishing inside the top 15 and providing mid-lineup stability. Cassidy Papero (Cheektowaga, N.Y.), Shelly Cummings (Victor, N.Y.), and Emma Snowman (North Tonawanda, N.Y.) rounded out Daemen's scoring, helping keep the Wildcats competitive in every match.

The Wildcats' Day 1 performance put them in a good position heading into Baker competition and bracket rounds.

UP NEXT
Daemen returns to action Sunday as the Mercyhurst Invitational continues with Baker qualifying and match play. The Wildcats will face off against Roberts Wesleyan, D'Youville, Le Moyne, and William Smith.

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