EMMITSBURG, Md. (October 1, 2023) – Mount St. Mary's bowling won two out of three to open the 2023-24 season, facing Chestnut Hill in a dual match for the NCAA Season Kick-Off. After taking both Quint Bakers, they went seven in bracket play before the Griffins edged the Mountaineers by a single pin.
 
Sophomore Aliza Shirk led in Baker frame averages with a 20.28, followed by freshman Leah Varela who earned a 19.36 in her first collegiate meet.
 
#18 Mount: 1,001 | Chestnut Hill: 772
 
The Mountaineers built an 83-pin advantage over the first two games. After the teams deadlocked with 152 game threes, the Mount sealed the opening round with scores of 216 and a day-high 245 to open the season 1-0 for the sixth straight year. The game also marked the 99^th time the program tallied 1,000 pins or more in a contest.
 
#18 Mount: 916 | Chestnut Hill: 706
 
Baker match two almost followed the same pattern as the first match, with the Mount building a steady advantage. The middle game turned the tide thanks to a 234 game that solidified a lead of 150, and the Mountaineers cruised over the last 20 frames.
 
Chestnut Hill: 4 | #18 Mount: 3 (190-146, 114-215, 168-181, 193-173, 201-157, 176-211, 151-150)
 
In a dramatic best-of-seven, both sides stepped up to try and earn the last win. Chestnut Hill had a 3-2 lead and were ahead in game six, but a four-bagger by the Mountaineers forced game seven. With the door open needing two strikes and two pins for a Mount win, two good shots both found the pocket. However, the second saw a lone 6-pin left standing, preserving a Griffins win.
 
Mount St. Mary's returns to competition October 21-22 with the Golden Bear Invitational, hosted by Kutztown.