ALTOONA, Pa. – Lincoln Memorial University's women's bowling team claimed its first-ever tournament championship at the Red Flash Invitational with a pair of best-of-seven Baker match wins over No. 16 and host St. Francis (Pa.). In the process, the No. 23 Lady Railsplitters matched last year's win total, went 10-2 for the weekend and improved to 41-34 on the season—including 18-7 in 2018.
 
"I am so proud of this fiercely strong group of young women," LMU Director of Bowling and Women's Head Coach Joseph Slowinski said. "They work hard daily, have fun and have really bought into our vision and philosophy. To achieve a win in our first 17 months is so gratifying and makes all of the hard work so sweet."
 
Lincoln Memorial rolled over St. Francis in five games (203-180, 156-181, 222-200, 217-171, 214-187) to win the event championship. The Lady Railsplitters also opened the day against the Red Flash with a seven-match thriller (247-221, 197-152, 182-203, 157-140, 188-211, 133-202, 210-202). The seventh and deciding game came down to Marisol Dodson converting the 3-10 in the final frame to seal the win.
 
"After Marisol secured the win with a double in the tenth, tears were shed by all of the players and most of the parents and friends who were in attendance," Slowinski said. "Our players came to LMU to build a legacy and achieve something bigger than themselves. Without their belief in our program and the parents' belief and support in our vision, today would not be possible."
 
The two teams played a total of four times over the weekend with LMU winning three times.
 
"I am very proud of not giving up and going all the way," sophomore Marisol Dodson said. "Never have I been this happy in my life."
 
Dodson, a sophomore, turned in an outstanding performance in the anchor role. The Jacksonville, Fla. native struck at a high rate and made key shots to seal both wins. She had 10 strikes in the five-game final, including three 10^th-frame Baker doubles. In the semifinal, she produced 11 strikes and 20 clean frames.
 
"Marisol is a fighter and told me that she would be a big contributor on Saturday and Sunday after a poor opening day," Slowinski said. "She was simply awesome today."
 
Heather Trapp, Tyra Sanchez, Mary-Kate Kersting and Justine Brookover also provided key contributions in the championship match.
 
"Today shows what hard work and fight can accomplish," sophomore Mary-Kate Kersting said. "We won as a team and made LMU history."
 
Lincoln Memorial's championship run started with the program's first perfect 5-0 day Friday, including the team's first win over St. Francis. The team also moved above .500 for the season. On Saturday, the Lady Railsplitters' 10-game win streak was snapped, but the team bowled well enough to conclude qualifying in second place and set up Sunday's semifinal matchup.
 
"Each member of the team was a huge contributor to this first-ever tournament win," said freshman Tyra Sanchez. "I'm glad that I'm a part of this team and can say I was a part of this amazing moment."
 
Dodson placed 11^th out of 114 individual bowlers in Saturday's individual portion of the tournament. Brookover finished 16^th, while Kersting was 20^th.
 
"It was the sweetest experience ever," said sophomore Heather Trapp—the first person to sign with LMU's bowling program. "All of our hard work paid off. I've never been so proud of my teammates before."
 
The Lady Railsplitters next travel to Richton Park, Illinois for the Crusader Classic hosted by Valparaiso on February 9-11.