SMYRNA, Tenn. – One Campbellsville Lady Tiger bowled her way into CU history Friday. Sophomore Chelsey Stephens of Frankfort, Ky., placed third in the United States Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Singles Sectional Qualifier to become the first Campbellsville University bowler in the program's five-year history to qualify for the xBowling Intercollegiate Singles National Championship in Reno, Nev. in April. 

Stephens finished third of 120 bowlers with a total of 1,262 pins in six games, an average of 210.3. Only the top four from each sectional Friday advance to make up the field of 16 women at the national championships April 14 and 18 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. The finals will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network in May.

"I was proud, but shocked. I didn't really pay attention to the scores. I thought there were other competitors that were [bowling] better than I was, so I was really shocked to find out that I did so well," Stephens said. 

Stephens is the only women's bowler from Kentucky to qualify for the national championships and one of two from NAIA institutions.

CU bowling coach John Rausch was pleased and proud of not only Stephens' performance, but of the performances of both teams in today's competition. Kaylee Kaminski finished in 62nd in a three-way tie with two other competitors, each with a total of 1,027 pins. Senior Marissa Remhet tied for 89th with a total of 977 pins.

Three Tigers also competed in the men's singles sectional qualifiers. Harry Haynes IV tied for 62nd place of 169 with a total of 1,123 pins. Jake Hafermalz tied for 73rd with 1108 pins. Hudson Haynes rounded out the men's scores in 143rd place with a total of 985 pins.

The complete Tigers and Lady Tigers teams will be back in action Saturday and Sunday at Smyrna Bowl for the USBC Team Sectional Qualifying rounds, hoping to add on to Friday's success and qualify for the xBowling Team National Championships.

For more information about the Intercollegiate Sectional Championships visit http://www.bowl.com/ISC/


Story by Bailey Foxworth