In its first year of competition, the Youngstown State women's bowling program has entered the top 25 on The National Tenpin Coaches Association's February poll, the organization announced on Monday.
Youngstown State received votes in the November poll, and it enters the top 25 this month for the first time in program history at No. 24. The Penguins received 70 points in the poll, just six behind No. 23 Valparaiso. St. Francis Brooklyn was 25th with 33 points.
"We have been working very hard this season, and breaking into the Top 25 as a first-year program is a huge accomplishment," YSU head coach Chelsea Gilliam said. "There are a lot of amazing teams out there, and we have had some very tough competition. We are going to continue to push to go even higher."
Nebraska is No. 1 in the poll, followed by Arkansas State, McKendree, Sam Houston State and Vanderbilt. The Penguins have beaten eight teams total that are ranked in the top 25, including Sam Houston State.
Youngstown State begins a busy stretch next weekend at the three-day SFA Stormin' Ladyjack Invitational in Houston, Texas. The Penguins will also bowl in tournaments hosted by Valparaiso, Monmouth and Vanderbilt in the next six weeks.