Women’s Bowling Team wraps up another season

On Tuesday, March 19, the Pitt-Greensburg women’s bowling team wrapped up their 2023-2024 season tying a head-to-head match with Saint Vincent College. After two matches, both teams left with a win.

Although the team didn’t make it to the AMCC this year, it remains one of the team’s primary ambitions for seasons to come. Freshman Natalie Coughenour, named AMCC Bowler of the Week in February, is one of many with this goal in mind.

“Last year the team missed going to AMCC by close, and this season we just missed going by like, 25 pins,” Coughenour said. “That was the goal, but hopefully next year— I’m pretty sure we’ll get there. There has been a lot of improvement overall, both individually and as a team.”

Having bowled in childhood and on her high school bowling team, Coughenour describes her experience as a new member on a growing team.

“I’ve always loved bowling. I’ve bowled since I was five, so coming here, I heard there was a bowling team and I was like, I have to be on it, obviously,” Coughenour said. “The program is pretty new and up-and-coming, so I was excited to be a part of that. I was interested to see what a college setting was like. The tournaments were very different, and there were a lot of people, but other than that it’s been pretty standard.”

Kayla Gaughan, a junior member of the women’s bowling team, shares Coughenour’s goal to reach the AMCC and fondly recounts opportunities for travel mid-season.

“For myself, I just want to improve my skills each season. My teammates inspire me to always give my best effort,” Gaughan said. “One of my favorite memories is going to Times Square with the team. It was awesome to be able to experience that with them.”

Similarly, Coughenour recalls a highly competitive away match as one of her favorite memories on the team.

“I think in New Jersey there was a match we played, and that was a new record for the team and the school. We had tied with Penn State in a Baker match and then had to play a five-frame game. Each one of us went point for point with the other team, and it came down to the last frame, and we secured the win by this much,” Coughenour said. “Everyone was screaming — it was awesome.”

Overall, the team departs with hope for the AMCC and memories of previous seasons to keep them rolling into next year. 

“We have, I think, three freshmen now, and throughout the season we also lost three girls, so it’ll be nice to have a larger team again. More people, new friends,” Coughenour said.

For Gaughan, the next season marks an end to her time on the team.

“I’m looking forward to a brand-new season, and hopefully continuing to improve with the team,” Gaughan said. “Since it will be my last season, I’m hopeful that the team will qualify for AMCC championships.”

To view statistics from the previous season or to view upcoming match dates, visit the Pitt-Greensburg Athletics website here. Women’s bowling will resume in the fall semester of this year for their 2024-2025 season.