SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Spring Arbor University men's bowling team turned in a strong performance at the first American Heartland Bowling Association (AHBA) tournament of the season, finishing second in the 17-team varsity field.
 
The Cougars totaled 6,533 pins over six games, finishing behind tournament champion Lawrence Tech (6,735). Olivet placed third with 6,416 pins, followed by Davenport (6,344) and Michigan-Dearborn (6,093).
 
Joseph Merz led Spring Arbor with a third-place individual finish, totaling 1,378 pins over six games for an average of 229.7. Merz opened the tournament with a 278 and followed with a 247 in his second game.
 
The Cougars placed three bowlers among the top 12 individually. Connor Rogus finished 11th with 1,308 pins, while Cole Rogus followed closely in 12th with 1,305. Connor averaged 218.0 over six games, while Cole posted a 217.5 average.
 
Owen Williams added a 28th-place finish with 1,216 pins, averaging 202.7 per game. Kingston Corpuz contributed a 256 in his final game, while Ryan Wenman opened the tournament with a 266.
 
Spring Arbor's junior varsity squad also competed, finishing sixth among 14 teams with a total of 5,499 pins.
 
Daniel Barth paced the JV Cougars with a sixth-place individual finish, totaling 1,241 pins across six games. Barth averaged 206.8 per game and recorded a team-best 254 in his fifth game.
 
Up next, SAU will travel to Taylor, Michigan for AHBA #3 held at Skore Lanes on Saturday, Nov. 14.