Women’s Bowling impresses at Tier 1 Hoosier Classic

INDIANAPOLIS (February 19, 2023) – The Milligan University women's bowling team finished 16th of 66 teams at the Tier 1 Hoosier Classic over the weekend in the Buffs' regular season finale.

The Buffs cleared 5,893 pins across six games of individual play and 2,568 pins over the course of 15 baker games for a total of 8,461 pins.

"This group of women is amazing me every single time they compete," said head coach Brian Rickert. "To have a first-year program with four freshman go up against the top 60+ schools in the nation and finish in the top 20 is phenomenal."

In a field of over 400 bowlers, Emily Cheesman led Milligan with sixth-place individual finish. She totaled 1,307 pins (217.8 average) in individual play. She went over 200 four times including a high game of 255.

Elizabeth Coutta followed in 12th place with 1,273 points (212.2 average). She went over 200 pins in all six games with a high game of 235.

"Emily and Elizabeth were absolutely crushing the pocket from game one to game six and I'm so proud of their finish," said Rickert.

Brianna Rickert made it three Buffs in the top 100 as she finished 95th with 1,153 pins (192.2 average). She posted four games of 200-plus with a high of 235. Laci MacQuisten was 145th with 1,087 pins (181.2 average) and a high of 212.

In baker play, Milligan posted a high game of 212 in the Buffs' 15th and final game.

"We sat in 10th just a few pins out of the top eight after day one but for the first time in a while, we came a little unglued in baker play," said Rickert. "We left way too many missed spares out there and really need to put in some quick work before the conference tournament next weekend. If we can improve those by just a little, we should have a great chance of winning and getting a berth to the national championships."

The Buffs are set to compete at the SSAC Bowling Championships next weekend.