MACOMB, IL.— The Western Illinois University women's bowling team will take on a competitive field of nationally ranked programs at the Chelsea Gilliam Penguin Classic, hosted by Youngstown State University at Holiday Bowl. The tournament will feature many of the nation's top collegiate bowling teams, providing the Leathernecks with an opportunity to compete against elite competition early in the season.
The field includes 15 teams ranked in the preseason National Tenpin Coaches Association (NTCA) Top 25 poll, including defending national champion and unanimous preseason No. 1 Jacksonville State, No. 2 Vanderbilt, No. 4 Arkansas State, No. 5 Nebraska and host Youngstown State, ranked No. 6. Other nationally ranked programs include North Carolina A&T, Sacred Heart, Wright State, Maryville, Niagara, Duquesne, Mount St. Mary's, Bryant, Valparaiso and Maryland Eastern Shore.
Western Illinois is one of two unranked teams in the tournament, joining William Smith in a field that also includes Mercyhurst, which received votes in the preseason poll.
The tournament will begin Friday morning with five Baker matches, followed by five traditional matches on Saturday and three best-of-seven Baker matches on Sunday. The three-day format will challenge teams to demonstrate consistency, execution and adaptability across multiple styles of competition.
Western Illinois is scheduled to face Youngstown State on Saturday in the seventh match of the tournament, with an approximate start time of 10:45 a.m. The matchup will provide the Leathernecks with a test against the host Penguins, who enter the event ranked No. 6 nationally in the preseason NTCA poll.
The tournament's strong field offers Western Illinois valuable experience against some of the top programs in collegiate bowling. Competing throughout the weekend will give the Leathernecks an opportunity to build momentum, sharpen their performance and measure themselves against nationally recognized opponents.
Tournament Schedule
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
FOLLOW THE LEATHERNECKS
For the latest information on Western Illinois women's bowling, visit GoLeathernecks.com and follow Leatherneck Athletics on social media
