Phoenix Roll Perfect 300, Go Undefeated on Day One of NAIA Championship

LANSING, Mich.--Cumberland Women's Bowling went undefeated on day one of the NAIA National Championship, highlighted by a perfect 300 baker game to close out the day.

The Phoenix opened tournament play against Lawrence Tech in a rematch of an early-season meeting at the Midwest Collegiate Classic. Cumberland once again had the edge, sweeping the Blue Devils 2-0. The Phoenix posted a 977-922 victory in the opening set before rolling to a 1080-920 win in the second.

Cumberland's scoring effort was led by a strong individual performance from Jennifer Chiarillo, who rolled a 233, while Serenity Freeman added a 197 and Gracie Connelly chipped in a 193. Kathleen Schraer contributed a 183, and Madison Taylor finished with a 171 to round out the Phoenix lineup.

In the second round, Cumberland faced No. 3 seed Milligan (Tenn.) and continued its dominant performance. The Phoenix turned in another strong individual block, led by Serenity Freeman's team-high 237. Madison Taylor followed with a 210, while Gracie Connelly added a 191. Jennifer Chiarillo contributed a 184, and Kathleen Schraer chipped in a 169.

Cumberland took the opening set 991-958 before delivering its most impressive moment of the day in the baker format.

After falling behind early, the Phoenix surged and put together a flawless performance, recording a perfect 300 baker game as part of a tournament-best 1111 total to win the set 1111-973 and complete the 2-0 sweep.

In baker play, Cumberland posted games of 173, 213, 235, 218, and 241 in the opening match, followed by 216, 212, 166, 217, and the perfect 300 against Milligan. The Phoenix finished with baker totals of 1080 and 1111 across the two matches.

Cumberland advances to Friday's action undefeated and will face conference rival No. 2 seed Pikeville with a spot in the NAIA National Championship semifinals on the line. A win would send the Phoenix directly into the semifinal series, while a loss would place them in a play-in matchup for a chance to advance.

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