New Castle, Del. (Oct. 14, 2023) - Through the first day of competition in Alvernia's first ever appearance in a women's bowling competition, the Golden Wolves are sitting in eighth place through the first day of Chestnut Hill's Bud Whitman Invitational in New Castle, Delaware.

The Golden Wolves went 4-1 in traditional match format and Alvernia is in 8th place overall in the field of 13 teams with a total team score of 4,109.

Alvernia opened its bowling era with an 800-797 win over Saint Anselm in the first of the five-game Saturday. Alvernia was led by Reaghan Smith in game one who bowled a 178. Francesca Kelly posted a 172 and Emily Huntley bowled a 165.

Alvernia fell to Kutztown, 837-769, to Kutztown University in game two of the day. Huntley finished with a 168 and Mia Siminitus was three pins behind with a 163.

Alvernia rebounded in game three to take down Coppin State University, 837-761. Smith posted her highest score of the day with a 192 and Kelly finished with a 179.

In game four of the afternoon, Alvernia narrowly edged out Caldwell University with a 768-765 decision. Lacey Slaymaker led Alvernia with a 172 and Kelly finished nine pins behind with a 163.

Alvernia closed out its first ever day of competition with a bang as the Golden Wolves downed Aldelphi University, 935-755. Slaymaker led Alvernia with the highest score of the day for the Golden Wolves as the first year posted a 196. Morgan Dupont joined Slaymaker in the 90s with a 191 and Kelly finished with a 189. 

Reaghan Smith led Alvernia with a 172.00 average across five games. Smith sits in 18th overall in the field of 80 in the overall individual standings through Saturday. Kelly is in 19th place overall with a 171.6 average across five games. 

"The girls did a great job adjusting to the college bowling environment today," said Head Coach Kerry Smith. " We learned a lot today and will work to do better tomorrow. 

Alvernia is back at it tomorrow for the final day of the Bud Whitman Invitational.