SMYRNA, Tenn. — The Campbellsville University men's and women's bowling teams spent the weekend in back-to-back action, competing in two Mid-South Conference events in Smyrna, Tennessee, showcasing both historic milestones and strong team performances.
On Saturday, the Tigers took part in the MSC Greater Nashville Open. The men's team finished 13th overall with a total of 5,040 pins. James Riggs led the way with 816 pins (181, 230, 212, 193) for a 204 average. Ayden Sprowles followed with 762 pins (172, 161, 210, 219) and a 190.5 average, while Codie Tempe added 746 pins (193, 169, 213, 171) at 186.5. Joseph Ballard contributed 714 pins (178, 140, 189, 207) with a 178.5 average, and Ryan Smith posted 568 pins (150, 0, 226, 192) over three games. Kadyn Hargis rounded out the lineup with 134 pins in one game.
The women's team placed 17th overall with 3,669 pins, led by Alexis Ellis, who rolled 687 pins (172,190,195,130) for a 171.75 average. Elizabeth Morrow tallied 550 pins (112,146,149,143) at 137.5, while Baylee Brewer added 503 pins (132,130,107,134) with a 125.75 average. Kaitlyn Szkwarok and Ashley Vandiver contributed 531 and 421 pins, respectively.
On Sunday, the teams returned for the Brandon Burns Memorial, continuing the weekend's action. The men's team delivered a historic performance, finishing runner-up and beating every other Mid-South Conference team in attendance. Their runner-up performance came with 5,854 pins, their highest finish of the season and the first 300 game in Campbellsville bowling program history, rolled by Sprowles. Sprowles' day included scores of 213, 300, 205, and 215 for a total of 933 pins and a 233.25 average. Hargis followed with 901 pins (216, 222, 215, 248) at a 225.25 average, Tempe added 837 pins (187, 166, 239, 245) at 209.25, and Riggs posted 811 pins (215, 165, 200, 231) for a 202.75 average. Smith rounded out the top five with 801 pins (185, 191, 224, 201) and a 200.25 average. Combined with strong Baker game totals, the Tigers finished second overall, just behind Savannah College of Art and Design-Savannah (5,907).
The women also competed on Sunday, showing consistency with several strong individual series. Morrow led with 630 pins (153, 174, 133, 170) at a 157.5 average, Szkwarok followed with 574 pins (136, 166, 167, 105) at 143.5, Ellis rolled 563 pins (102, 139, 153, 169) for 140.75, and Brewer added 461 pins (88, 140, 131, 102) at 115.25. The Tigers totaled 2,662 pins, closing out the weekend with two days of competition.
When asked about their performance, head coach Brandon Lakes stated, "I couldn't be more proud of our men's bowling team after this weekend. Competing in two tournaments over two days was no easy task, but the team rose to the challenge and excelled. Although none of the guys bowled as well as they hoped in Saturday's first tournament, they refused to hang their heads. Instead, they fought hard, supported one another, and battled their way to a well-deserved 2nd-place finish. What makes me most proud is their attitude and how they showed resilience, sportsmanship, and a team-first mentality. And while everyone contributed with strong performances, a special shoutout goes to Ayden Sprowles, who made school history by bowling a perfect 300 game in tournament play; the first ever for our program!"
The Campbellsville Tigers bowling team will travel to Pensacola, Florida, for the Spring Hill Classic on November 8th and 9th for a weekend of action.
