JACKSON, Mich. – The Spring Arbor University bowling teams opened the 2025-26 season in dominant fashion, sweeping both the men's and women's titles at the Cougar Classic, held Saturday at JAX 60 in Jackson.
On the men's side, the Cougars outpaced the field with a team total of 5,371 pins, finishing ahead of Trine (5,157) and Indiana Wesleyan (5,096). Leading the way was
Joe Merz, who posted games of 214, 215, and 225 for a 654 series, good for third place individually.
Cody Hall added steady scoring with a 581 set, while depth up and down the roster carried SAU to the top spot.
Noah Colgan finished in the top 10 individually, landing in seventh place in a field of nearly 80 competitors. Colgan knocked down 604 pins, including a high-game of 225.
The women's team, in its first appearance since capturing the national title, delivered a statement of its own, racking up 4,835 pins to hold off Trine (4,761) and Lourdes (4,508).
Abigail Hamilton led the way with a 595 series, highlighted by a 220 in her final game, finishing third individually.
Paige Shankland chipped in a 558 set, while
Ella Steinke (539) and
Kayla Tafanelli (524) provided key contributions.
Gabriella Riba and
Caeli Schultz finished sixth and ninth, respectively. Riba accumulated 562 pins while Schultz had 545.
Spring Arbor returns to JAX 60 again on Saturday, Sept. 27 for the WHAC Open.
