Tusculum bowlers in sixth after day one of Orange & Black Classic

BEAVER CREEK, Ohio --- The Tusculum University men's bowling team is in sixth place out of 22 teams after day one action of the 2021 Orange and Black Classic. The two-day event is being hosted by Pikeville University.

Pikeville has the first day lead with 5,164 pins and leads by 215 over second place Lawrence Tech. Robert Morris third with 4919, while Belmont Abbey (4881) and Wright State (4864) round out the top-five.

Tusculum is sixth, followed by Thomas Moore (4797), Vincennes (4789), Lourdes (4774) and Lincoln Memorial to conclude the top-10.

In Saturday's five-game, individual scoring matches, TU sophomore Gabe Taulbee led the way for the Pioneers with his 1,095 total pinfall, averaging a team-best 219.0 on the day. He bowled a Saturday-best 256 in his second game and followed with an impressive 253 in the third.

Senior Tyler Moore averaged 207.6 as he finished with a 1,038 pin total. Moore bowled four straight games of 200 or better, including a 232 in his fourth game.

Tusculum freshman Aeron Burkhardt had a 174.4 average including a 217 in his third game of the day. Senior Toney Franklin had a 173.0 average in his four games including a 213 in the fourth. Freshman Tucker Strack had a 199.0 average in his three games, bowling 227 and 200 in his final two outings of the day.

Lane Bolton averaged 183 in his two games including an opening 222. Jared Vermillion bowled 146 in his lone contest of the day.

The Pioneers best team game of the day came in the fourth as TU posted a 1,043 which was preceded by a 1,025 in the third.

The 22-team tournament will wrap up on Sunday.

Team Standings

Tusculum Individual Scores