READING, Pa. – Bethune-Cookman Bowling competed in its first tournament of the 2018 calendar year over the weekend, as the Wildcats traveled to the 10th Annual KU Invitational hosted by Kutztown University at Hiester Lanes. The Wildcats concluded the three-day event on Sunday, Jan. 21, finishing up bracket play in the 27-team field.
 
With Sunday's play being a bracket-play tournament in Baker format, Bethune-Cookman faced off against fellow Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) member Howard in what would become BCU's only match due to the elimination format. The Bison would take the win, 4-2, ending the run for the Wildcats in this year's event.
 
Bethune-Cookman (4-47) concluded this year's tournament with an 0-11 record.
 
On Friday, BCU took part in five Baker matches to open the tournament.
 
The Wildcats fought strong in a 987-814 setback against LIU Brooklyn in the opening match of the day. That was followed by a 1,004-869 setback against Howard.
 
In the next matchup, BCU dropped an 896-802 score line against Franklin Pierce. The fourth match of the day saw the Cats drop a 987-790 contest against Delaware State out of the MEAC Northern Division. It was followed by the day's final match for the Maroon and Gold, a 983-790 decision against nationally-ranked Sacred Heart.
 
On Saturday, BCU went head-to-head in five Traditional matches.
 
The Wildcats fell in the opener by a 1,019-841 score against nationally-ranked Fairleigh Dickinson, before BCU was stopped 997-835 in a tough contest against Duquesne. The Maroon and Gold dropped an exciting 919-868 decision to St. Francis-Brooklyn in its third game of the day, while then falling in a 989-809 contest against MEAC member Maryland Eastern Shore.
 
In the opener against FDU, it was freshman Nia Grinion (Miami, Fla.) recording a 214-game effort, while teammate and sophomore Bethany Gray-Shealy (West Palm Beach, Fla.) picked up a 205-game. Newcomer and freshman Danielle Moreno (South Daytona, Fla.) registered a 202-game for the Wildcats against Duquesne.
 
Moreno also registered a 202 performance in the fourth game against Maryland Eastern Shore.
 
The final contest in Friday's slate of games for the Wildcats was highlighted by BCU dropping an 822-726 decision against Chestnut Hill.
 
The Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman are back in action next weekend traveling to the FAMU Invitational hosted by Florida A&M in Tallahassee, Florida. The three-day event kicks off Friday, Jan. 26.
 
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