LINCOLN, Neb. – Coming out on top after battling through seven games against Sacred Heart University in round three, and a shutout victory against the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in round four, the Kutztown University women's bowling team finished 2-1 after suffering a 4-1 setback to Wichita State University in the semifinals in day two of the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Nationals on Friday at Sun Valley Lanes.

In round three, the Golden Bears (79-43) faced Sacred Heart in their eighth matchup this season to go to seven games. The Pioneers took the lead over KU in game one, but the Golden Bears tied the match with a 187-158 win in game two.

KU won game three 211-182, followed by a win in game four 192-183. The Pioneers grabbed the crown in game five 236-179, and tied up the scoreboard again in game six 223-189.

In game seven, Deanna DiRado (Greensburg, PA/Greensburg Salem) struck out the 10th frame to win the match for KU 4-3, eliminating SHU and remaining undefeated against the Pioneers this season (8-0).

KU defeated Wisconsin-Whitewater in a clean sweep 4-0 in round four. The Warhawks came within three pins during game two (176-173), but the Golden Bears held the pin fall advantage to grab the crown in all four games.

The Golden Bears advanced to the quarterfinals to face Wichita State University, after falling to the Shockers during day one 4-1. KU faced the same fate, falling 4-1 again to be eliminated from the tournament.

“This is the furthest we've ever gotten here to the quarterfinals,” said head coach Joseph Ambrose. “I'm proud of them. We never quit.”