COLUMBIA, MISSOURI - The Grand View men's bowling team entered the Heart of America Conference Championship as the No. 8 seed and competed under the new Mega-Match format.
The tournament utilized a new software program, Bowl Sheets, which all NAIA teams must use to track individual and team performances throughout the season. The competition followed a double-elimination Mega-Match format, where teams had to win two points to advance. The first point was awarded based on a traditional five-player team game, and the second point was determined by the total pinfall of four Baker games. If teams split these sets, they competed in a best-of-five Baker series to determine the winner.

Match 1 vs. No. 1 William Penn The Vikings opened against top-seeded William Penn. Junior Xander Pickett led off with a 204, followed by junior Kory Ludden (165), freshman Sam Kock and junior Jonathan Featherston (172), junior Andru Wilder (179), and senior Justin Graves (203). Their combined total of 923 was outmatched by William Penn's 1115.

In the Baker series, Grand View bowled a 720, falling short of William Penn's 807, moving the Vikings to the consolation bracket.

Match 2 vs. No. 6 Missouri Valley Facing Missouri Valley in an elimination match, the Vikings put up a strong effort. Individual scores included Xander Pickett (161), Sam Kock and Jonathan Featherston (157), Kory Ludden (213), Andru Wilder (184), and Justin Graves (197), for a team total of 912. Missouri Valley, however, bowled a 960 to take the first point.

In the Baker series, Grand View posted a 766, but Missouri Valley's 886 secured the win, ending the Vikings' run in the tournament.

FROM THE FELTONS 
"Their team chemistry was the best it had been all year, and Keith and I couldn't be prouder of these teams and all the hard work they've put in since September. We'll be back next year even better!"

UP NEXT 
With the experience gained this season, the Vikings are eager to return next year stronger than ever.

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR/HOA-HM