The Indiana Tech men's bowling team concluded their season as NAIA semifinalists after a loss to Mount Mercy in the national championship. The team, seeded fifth, won their initial two matches against Ottawa and Calumet-St. Joseph but could not advance past the top-seeded Mount Mercy. Sophomore Malakai Pettrie had a standout performance, earning recognition as an NAIA Third Team All-American, marking the first time an Indiana Tech men's bowler received such honors since 2023-24.

By the Numbers
  • Indiana Tech defeated Ottawa 2-0 in the first round, with a total pin count of 1046 to Ottawa's 988.
  • Against Calumet-St. Joseph, the Warriors won 2-1, with Tuna Boncu scoring 267 in the Mega Match.
  • In the semifinals, Indiana Tech fell to Mount Mercy 2-1, with their best game score being 1074 in the first leg.
Yes, But

While the team performed admirably to reach the semifinals, their inability to secure victories against Mount Mercy highlights a gap in competitiveness at the highest level of the tournament.

State of Play
  • Indiana Tech's season ended with notable wins in the quarterfinals but required more consistent effort against higher-seeded teams.
  • Malakai Pettrie's All-American recognition adds to the team's prestige and may attract future talent.
What's Next

Looking ahead, the team will focus on recruiting and developing talent to build on this year's successes and improve their standing for next season's championship run.

Bottom Line

Indiana Tech's men's bowling team has demonstrated potential, but to elevate their performance in future tournaments, a focus on strategic development and recruitment will be crucial.