ERIE, Pa.—The William Smith bowling team opened the season with a fifth place finish in the Mercyhurst Invitational over the weekend. The Herons went 6-4 in the two-day event, including a perfect 5-0 record on Sunday.
 
William Smith faced a challenging schedule on Saturday taking on three Division I teams and two Division II programs in traditional matches. Senior Caitlyn Anschutz led the team in their opener against No. 20 Wright State, rolling a 190. Junior Colleen Jump posted the team's top game of the day, posting a 195 in a victory over D'Youville. Senior Michaela Morgan had the high game against No. 25 Niagara, rolling a 185. First-year Miley Bohrer made her collegiate debut against the host Lakers with a team-high 180 and followed that with a team-high 191 against Roberts Wesleyan.
 
Jump was the only Heron to bowl in all five matches, finishing with a 173.0 average, 17th out of 52 participants.
 
On Sunday, the Herons excelled as the format switched to Baker matches. William Smith sandwiched a pair of wins over Penn State Behrend around a victory over Daemen. The Herons' 968 pinfall total against the Wildcats is tied for the fourth highest in program history.
 
The tournament shifted to Best of 7 Baker to determine the final standings. William Smith topped D'Youville 4-2 to advance to the fifth place match where the Herons were paired up for the third time against Penn State Behrend. William Smith topped the Lions for the third time, 4-2.
 
Saturday Scores

• #20 Wright State 1008, William Smith 855
• William Smith 860, D'Youville 756
• #25 Niagara 932, William Smith 826
• Mercyhurst 995, William Smith 832
• Roberts Wesleyan 1022, William Smith 804

 
SUNDAY SUCCESS

• William Smith 889, Penn State Behrend 827
• William Smith 968, Daemen 865
• William Smith 913, Penn State Behrend 854
• William Smith 4, D'Youville 2
• William Smith 4, Penn State Behrend 2

 
UP NEXT

• The Herons will return to action at noon on Saturday, Oct. 18, when they welcome Roberts Wesleyan to Sunset Bowl.