PITTSBURGH, Pa.—The second-seeded William Smith bowling team defeated top-seeded Saint Vincent this morning in the third round of the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Championship at Pines Plaza Lanes.
 
The Herons won the traditional match to open the mega match. Sophomore Caitlyn Anschutz, first-year Colleen Jump and senior Amber Pidlypchak all rolled 200 games, led by Anschutz's 224.
 
In the Baker total pinfall portion of the mega match, the Bearcats battled back, topping the Herons 949-886.
 
In the best of seven Baker, William Smith put Saint Vincent under pressure by winning the first game 185-150 followed by a 202-145 win and a 195-176 triumph. On the brink, the Bearcats won Games 4 (166-154) and 5 (188-180). The Herons avoided a decisive Game 7, closing out the match 214-194.
 
COACH'S CORNER

"The team showed a lot of heart out there today and you can tell how much they wanted it. Caitlyn, Colleen, and Amber all strung strikes together in the traditional game to cap off our highest traditional game of the year. In Baker, Michaela [Morgan] once again stepped up huge for us in the 10th when she needed to. They trusted in me and each other to get it done and I couldn't be more proud and excited for tomorrow!" – William Smith Head Coach Heather Sterner

 
A double elimination tournament, the Herons (49-21) advance to Sunday's championship showdown. Saint Vincent (64-14) had to play Alvernia in an elimination mega match Saturday afternoon. The Wolves (53-23) swept the traditional and Baker pinfall to advance to Sunday.
 
William Smith and Alvernia will begin the championship match at 9:30 a.m. The Herons can clinch their first AMCC title in their second varsity season with a mega match win. The Wolves will need to beat William Smith in two mega matches to take the crown.