Pittsburgh, Pa. – The Duquesne University bowling team opened play Friday in the Red Flash Invitational in Altoona, Pa., by going 4-1 in traditional play at the Holiday Bowl. The Dukes improved to 46-25 (.648) overall during the 2023-24 season thanks to the performance.
Duquesne opened with a 941-692 win over Penn State Altoona before suffering its lone loss of the day, dropping a 983-952 decision to No. 15 Mount St. Mary's. The Dukes rebounded, earning a 940-935 triumph over host Saint Francis U before knocking off Mount Aloysius, 952-695, and Saint Vincent, 999-785.
The Mount and Valparaiso each finished 5-0 Friday, but the Dukes tallied the most pins, averaging 191.4 per game in finishing with 4,784. Mount St. Mary's finished 32 pins behind Duquesne, while Valpo sits third with 4,604.
Powering the Dukes individually was senior
Shannon Small, who finished atop the leaderboard with 1,116 pins. In averaging 223.20 pins per game, Small eclipsed 200 in four of her five games Friday, including a high of 257 in the win over Saint Vincent. Small also rolled a 230 in the triumph over Mount Aloysius.
For Small, she successfully defended her title from the event last season in picking up her second career individual crown. At the 2023 Red Flash Classic, Small compiled 1,050 pins and a 210.00 average. Small's average of 223.20 Friday places her in the top 10 for tournament averages in the Duquesne record book.
Grad student
Kiearra Saldi finished 11th individually Friday, opening with a 200 in the win over Penn State Altoona before rolling her best game of the day (220) against Mount St. Mary's. She knocked down 932 pins and averaged 186.40.
The Red Flash Invitational continues Saturday, Jan. 27, with Baker play. The Dukes will open action at Holiday Bowl against Pitt Greensburg and will also square off against Morgan State, No. 19 Valparaiso and Pitt Bradford.
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