National Bracket
 
RENO, Nev. – The 11th-ranked Kutztown University women's bowling team enjoyed its time on the West Coast and competed against other top teams in the country on Wednesday. At the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) National Championships, the Golden Bears dropped a pair of matches in the double elimination tournament to conclude its season in the national spotlight.
 
The Golden Bears (80-51) spent the morning competing in a 24 baker game qualifying session before the positioning rounds started Wednesday evening. Although the two losses to Robert Morris (4-2) and Lindenwood (4-3) didn't allow Kutztown to return to the quarterfinals from last year, it competed at a high level in which KU's fate came down to the final ball thrown of the evening.
 
In a tied match against Lindenwood, senior Deanna DiRado (Greensburg, PA/Greensburg Salem) stepped up for the Golden Bears and knocked down 29 of 30 pins to apply the pressure on Lindenwood in the final frame. Preparing to throw the final ball on the final frame, Lindenwood needed to knock down seven pins to secure a one-pin victory. The ensuing strike not only sent Lindenwood to the next round, but sealed Kutztown's season.
 
Along with DiRado, fellow seniors Brooke Bower (Camp Hill, PA/Cedar Cliff) and Rebecca Velazquez (Mohegan Lake, NY/Lakeland) competed in their final matches in the Maroon and Gold this week. Each of them garnished conference and national recognition throughout their careers, and have left their mark on the program, which was nationally-ranked for the entire season.