FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. --- The Tusculum University women's bowling team is in 10^th place Baker action at the 2022 McKendree Bearcat Roto Grip Open. 

The Pioneers totaled 4,363 pins for its five Baker games including 0-4 in head-to-head action against three teams ranked in the national top-25.

Tusculum opened the season against No. 15 Maryville (Mo.) where the Saints defeated the Pioneers 959-922. TU face in-state foe Lincoln Memorial in the next contest as the 24^th-ranked Railsplitters edged TU by just two pins in an 883-881 decision. Ten pins separated Tusculum and Upper Iowa as the Peacocks prevailed 825-815.

Tusculum bowled its second highest total of the day in its bye round as the Pioneers totaled 896.

Tusculum closed out the day with a 1060-849 loss to No. 25 Newman.

Defending national champion and tournament host McKendree as the top-ranked Bearcats finished with 4,901 pins and are 58 pins ahead of second place and third-ranked Nebraska (4843). Mercyhurst is third with 4,833 pins, while Newman is fourth with 4,812. Maryville (Mo.) is fifth with 4,665 pins, followed by Central Missouri (4592), Lincoln Memorial (4564), Kentucky Wesleyan (4471), Upper Iowa (4428), Tusculum (4363) and Quincy (4226).

The Pioneers will play five traditional matches on Saturday as the TU will open against No. 3 Nebraska. Tusculum will also face Quincy, Mercyhurst, No. 21 Central Missouri and No. 1 McKendree to close the second day.

The three-day tournament will wrap up with bracket play on Sunday.

Team Results