INDIANAPOLIS – The Maryville University women's bowling team was selected to finish second in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Preseason Coaches Poll on Tuesday. The program is coming off of an impressive 2021-22 season that saw them finish with a 64-51 head-to-head record and a trip to the ITC National Championships.
 
In total, Maryville received 31 total points in the poll along with one vote to finish in first place. Additionally, the Saints were ranked 15th in the National Tenpin Coaches Association preseason poll across all divisions.
 
The team will have a slightly new look in 2022-23 after the departures of Macailin Rodriguez, Bailey Delrose, and back-to-back GLVC Coach of the Year Brandi Kordelewski.  However, they return GLVC Second Team All-Conference recipients Brianna Schmidt and Natalie Heltne, reigning GLVC Freshman of the Year Anna Maxwell, and junior Laura Bartelt from last year's squad.
 
Filling the gaps in the roster are Tulane transfer and fifth-year senior Kaitlyn Cavender and recruits Sawyer Braun and Kaitlyn Cavender. Lauren Pate takes over the head coaching duties for the Saints, coming to Maryville as a three-time Team USA member and a current bowler on the Professional Women's Bowling Association (PBWA).
 
In their first tournament action this season, the Saints went 8-4 at the Bearcat Roto Grip Open which included a win over Newman University in bracket play to earn fifth place out of 11 teams.  Their season continues on Friday, Oct. 28 when they begin the first day of the Valpo Bowling Classic in Dyer, Ind.