Pittsburgh, Pa. – The Duquesne University bowling team returned to action this weekend in Binghamton, N.Y., with the first of two Northeast Conference competitions, claiming first place at NEC #1 with a 9-3 (.750) record. The Dukes improved to 23-15 (.605) overall during the 2024-25 season with the performance at Ripics Carousel Lanes.
AT THE TOP
Both Duquesne and Mercyhurst finished atop the standings at NEC #1 with identical 9-3 records, with the Dukes earning the tournament crown thanks to head-to-head play. In traditional play Friday, Duquesne earned a 959-819 victory over the Lakers and followed with a 995-936 triumph in Baker play Saturday.
BAKER PLAY
The Dukes finished 5-1 overall in Baker play at NEC #1, as in addition to its win over Mercyhurst, Duquesne posted a one-pin victory over #25 Niagara, 920-919, while also defeating Monmouth (991-948), LIU (1,030-805) and #20 FDU (1,093-878). The only blemish in Baker action came against Wagner, with the Seahawks earning an 848-835 win over the Dukes.
RANKED OPPOSITION
Duquesne finished 3-1 against ranked opposition at NEC #1, sweeping #20 FDU thanks to a 928-889 win in traditional play while splitting with the Purple Eagles. Niagara knocked off the Dukes, 933-910, in traditional action before Duquesne rebounded to earn the win over the Purple Eagles in Baker play. Wagner earned a pair of wins over the Dukes by opening action at NEC #1 Friday with an 857-831 win, while Duquesne defeated Monmouth (823-792), LIU (1,075-821) and Mercyhurst. FDU would finish 8-4 at NEC #1, followed by Wagner (6-6), Monmouth (5-7), Niagara (4-8) and LIU (1-11).
INDIVIDUALITY
Pacing the Dukes individually at NEC #1 was senior
Ranelle Ulanday, who finished second. She accumulated 1,167 totals pins and an average score of 194.5 to trail only Sierra Poole of Monmouth, who won the individual title with 1,209 pins and an average of 201.50. The top game for Ulanday at NEC #1 came against Mercyhurst, as she rolled a 213 to help bolster the Dukes to the win. Ulanday also fired a 204 in the win over #20 FDU, with sophomore
Maribeth Baker also coming through against the Knights with a 247.
TIP OF THE CAP
Earning the top score of the weekend for Duquesne was grad student
Samantha Timm, who unleashed a 250 to help propel the Dukes to their win over LIU. Timm appeared in five matches of traditional play at NEC #1, finishing 19th individually with 982 pins and an average score of 196.40. Timm was one of four student-athletes to finish in the top 20 for Duquesne, as senior
Shannon Small earned sixth and junior
Emma Siekierski claimed 13th. Small fired a 235 in the victory over the Sharks and averaged 187.17, while Siekierski finished with a 205 in the win over LIU en route to an average score of 178.83.
HEAD OF THE CLASS
Duquesne's performance this weekend marks the second time in school history the Dukes have claimed first place at NEC #1. The Dukes also won the event just over two years ago in the Pittsburgh, Pa., suburb of Plum Borough at Nesbits Lanes with a record of 6-1. Duquesne has also won three consecutive NEC competitions after its victory this weekend, as the Dukes won NEC #2 last year in Mechanicsburg, Pa., in December of 2023 with a perfect 7-0 mark before winning NEC #3 in Manchester, N.H., in February of 2024 with a 6-1 ledger.
UP NEXT
Duquesne next gears up for the Garden State Classic, which is set for Friday, Nov. 22, through Sunday, Nov. 24, in Howell, N.J., at Howell Lanes. Monmouth will serve as host.
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