PITTSBURGH - The Duquesne bowling team, which opens the season this weekend at the Mercyhurst University Invite, has been ranked No. 13 in the National Tenpin Coaches Association Preseason Top 25 released today.

Duquesne, which has been ranked in the past 25 consecutive NTCA Polls dating back to February of 2018, finished ranked 12th in the final 2021-22 NTCA Top 25. It was the third consecutive season DU has finished the year ranked among the nation's Top 12.

The Dukes, who are 49-5 vs. unranked teams over the past two seasons, have 45 all-time wins over Top 10 programs, with over half (27) coming in the past three years.

DU will have three former Northeast Conference All-Rookie Team members on the 2022-23 roster in senior Kiearra Saldi, junior Shannon Small and sophomore Morgan Brookover. In addition, Ranelle Ulanday, who earned NEC Rookie of the Week honors twice last season, is also back. Saldi was one of seven sophomores to earn NTCA All-American honors in 2020-21. Saldi (205.9) and Ulanday (205.7) both averaged over 200 in traditional play last season.

The season-opening MU Invite is scheduled for Oct. 8-9 at Rolling Meadow Lanes in Erie, Pa.