By Aime Rutayisire, Sports Editor
The Newman Jets women’s bowling team made history on Sunday when it captured Newman’s first-ever Great Lakes Valley Conference championship title and earned the school’s first trip to the NCAA Tournament.
The Jets are now ranked No. 12 in the NCAA Division ll power rankings. They have been fueled by a combination of depth and team chemistry, highlighted by standout performances from senior Kassidy Miller, sophomore Ashley Soto and freshman Danielle Walbaum, said coach Billy Murphy.
“At the conference tournament, they bowled as good as I’d ever seen,” Murphy said. “They’re just driven to compete at a high level.”
Miller’s performance stood out, Murphy said, especially because she underwent knee surgery last summer. Despite the setback, she delivered her strongest season yet and was awarded GLVC all-tournament honors.
Murphy said that Miller made steady progression throughout the year and at the tournament, which happened in Belleville, Illinois. She was one of three bowlers on Newman’s team who reached the 190-plus mark.
“It’s a great feeling. Winning is always fun,” Murphy said. “It’s a reflection of our girls. The ladies have worked hard.”
Beyond individual talent, Murphy said, the team’s unity was the defining factor behind its success. He described a group deeply connected both on and off the lanes, where every player contributes, even the players who are not actively competing.
“It’s interesting. You just have certain teams that click,” Murphy said. “It’s the little things with this group. They do a lot of things right. They are always engaged.”
Kayla Bandy, who has served as an assistant coach for three years, said that each player brings something special to the group.
“They all have their own way about them,” Bandy said.
Next week, the Jets will be in postseason play. The conference tournament is scheduled to begin April 3 in Arlington, Texas.
PHOTO: Courtesy, Newman Athletics
