WAUWATOSA, WIS. – Morningside University head women's bowling coach Steve Gonshorowski and his 2021-22 Mustangs left Bowlero Lanes Sunday, Oct. 3, seeing a shiny horizon.

There was reason for optimism galore for the Mustangs. They had just concluded two days in which the team placed 12^th out of 30 multi-divisional programs at the Midwest Collegiate Championships. Their 8028 was just over 100 pins removed from the top 10 and trailed fellow National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics' squad Grand View University by only one.

Individually, the news was even better. The sophomore duo of Carissa Johnson (Sioux Falls, S.D.) and Morgan Roark (Rochester, Minn.) each placed among the first 15 out of more than 200 competitors. Johnson's 1240 was third-highest and only two pins from a shot at the runner-up slot. Roark's 1148 handed her the last spot in the best 15. Freshman Rachel Spier (Sioux Falls, S.D.) (52^nd – 1026) and junior Kaitlin Hofmeister (South Sioux City, Neb.) (55^th – 1016) were next in line.

"It was a great weekend," Gonshorowski reflected. "Carissa is the first bowler from either men's or women's program to be named all-tournament at a Tier One event.  She averaged 206.67 over six games which is truly unbelievable. According to theory, the Tier Ones are supposed to be the most challenging condition to bowl on."

"There were teams from all over the country which included Webber International, Savannah College of Art and Design, Mount Mercy which are all in the national top five," he added. "We have rarely placed in the first 20 in these events before. This is an outstanding accomplishment which is being done by a very young group. We only two upperclasswomen, but the team has worked very hard to get this point and hopefully the success continues."

Morningside's women and men continue their 2021-22 fall portion slate Sunday, Oct. 10. They take an eastern trip to the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area for the Cedar Valley Open.