Cheesman takes Tier 1 title at Bowlero Southern Collegiate Classic

MARIETTA, Ga. (November 7, 2022) – Milligan University freshman Emily Cheesman took the tournament title and the Milligan University women's bowling team posted a top-six finish at the team's first-ever Tier 1 tournament, the Bowlero Southern Collegiate Classic over the weekend.

Cheesman took home Milligan's first-ever individual bowling title as she topped a field of over 130 bowlers with a six-game total of 1,301 pins. Each of Cheesman's first four games were over 230 pins with a high of 254. Cheesman's average of 216.8 was over seven pins higher than the second-place finisher.

Elizabeth Coutta and Laci MacQuisten were top-20 individuals as well. Coutta racked up 1,098 pins (183 average) and Laci MacQuisten cleared 1,089 (181.5 average). Coutta finished 17th and MacQuisten followed in 19th.

In five games, Brianna Rickert went over 200 pins twice and recorded a top-25 average of 178.6.

"Our ladies have established themselves in year one as a program that will give anyone in the nation a tough battle," said head coach Brian Rickert. "To say that they've exceeded my expectations is an understatement! Emily is one of the top young freshmen in the nation winning three all-tournament honors out of five tournaments."

Milligan's women led qualifying through the first four games on Saturday before running into some tough transition in their final two rounds. The Buffs were third going into baker play on Sunday.

"On Sunday we lost one of our top bowlers, Brianna Rickert, to possible food poisoning and had to grind things out with only five bowlers," said coach Brian Rickert. "But we had Sydney step right in and perform the best she has done all year."

Over the course of 24 baker games on Sunday, Milligan knocked down 3,985 pins. The Buffs finished sixth in the 19-team tournament with a team total of 9,518.

"This is by far the strongest unit of young ladies I've ever coached!" said Rickert. "They support each other, push each other and leave everything out on the lanes… I couldn't be more proud of them."

Milligan bowling is idle this weekend before heading to the MSC Brandon Burns Memorial Nov. 19-20.