The St. Ambrose men continued their early-season roll by leading this past weekend's Leatherneck Classic. The Leatherneck Classic is the biggest Tier 2 collegiate event in the nation, this year attracting 105 teams from across the country.

The men led after Saturday's qualifying event with 6540 for their six traditional games, and added 3573 for 16 baker games to finish at 10,113. The next four scoring teams were Wichita State (9998), McKendree University (9924) and Lindenwood (9606). In match play, St. Ambrose was upset by No. 8 seed Midland in the opening round 2-0. William Penn, the No. 7 seed, went on to capture the title by besting No. 3 seed McKendree in the championship match.

Nate Stubler was in great form as he led all scoring by averaging 238 for his 6 games, which earned him the Tournament MVP with a 1434 pinfall. Other team members were Dakota Solonka (1289-six games), Zach Greim (1274-six games), Seth Sikkema (1090-five games), William Jones (901-four gamees), Justin Aboud (389-two games), Jordan Monnens (165-one game) and Corey Roth.

Men's JV captures title

The men's junior varsity squad captured their second straight tournament victory. This time out, they earned the top seed with 9241 pins. In the best 2-of-3 baker bracket, they knocked off Wisconsin-Whitewater 2-1 in the opening round, and topped No. 2 seed Mount Mercy 2-0 to earn the title. The top four qualifiers were St. Ambrose at 9241, Mount Mercy at 9070, Calumet at 9049 and Wisconin-Whitewater at 9048.

Joshua Collins led the team in Saturday scoring with 1272 for his six games; he was assisted by Jorell Morris (1245-six games), Caleb Gillmore (1225-six games), Zack Denton (1187-six games), Anthony Mastroianni (924-five games), Alex Nolan (201-one game), Avery Wolf and Adam Kowalik.

The SAU men had an additional JV team in the field as well, and they were in great form. The JV2 squad finished fifth in the field of 17 JV squads. They were led by Justin Kennedy with 1269 for his six games bowled. Fellow teammates included Sebastian Einfeldt (1190-six games), Alton Barber (1121-six games), Brendan DeWerth (1050-six games) and Zack Olkiewicz (1048-six games). It was a noteworthy baker performance for JV2, as they tallied 3163 for their 16 baker games.

Women qualify third, eliminated in opening round

It was another successful weekend for the SAU women's squad, as they qualified third in a field of 35 teams. The top four qualifiers were Wichita State (9336), Mount Mercy (8812), St. Ambrose (8723) and Davenport University (8678). In match play, St. Ambrose was eliminated by No. 6 seed St Francis (Ill.) 2-1.

Megan Hess made her second All-Tournament Team of the season by averaging 218 for her qualifying round (1311-six games). Her teammates included Addy Nelson (1169-six games), Karsyn Burgess (1068-six games), Kayla Devine (773-four games), Sarah Fox (725-four games), Tricia Alvarado (436-two games), and Kayley Fangman (353-two games).

Women's JV places seventh

The women's junior varsity squad placed seventh in a field of 11 teams; they shot 7454 for the event. Team members included Kelsey Freeman (991-six games), Lindsey Voss (858-five games), Kayla Lampe (818-five games), Jackie Juett (693-four games), Madisyn Bradford (618-four games), Sammy Upham (412-three games), Hailee Hospodar (293-two games) and Bailey Tripilas (146-one game).

Varsity squads will next take to the lanes at the Tier 1 National Match Games Tournament on Nov. 27-28 in Fairview Heights, Ill.