Sterling Heights, Mich. - The Marian men's bowling team competed in the opening round of the NAIA National Tournament on Thursday, competing at Five Star Lanes in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

The Knights began the day competing in the qualifying baker games, vying for seeding in the championship bracket. Marian got off to a strong start in the first set as they rolled a 956 to begin the day in second place, but quickly fell off the pace as they were unable to keep their hold in the top-four. The round one score would be the team's best in the six baker sets, as they totaled a 4987, good for seventh-best in the 12-team field.

Marian's placement in qualifying matched them up with Cumberland University in the First Round of the championship bracket, with the team's playing baker games in a head-to-head series, best-of-seven. Marian won the first game 220-202, and followed with wins of 224-201 and 204-170 to take a three game lead. Marian was unable to win the fourth game, falling 224-183, but rebounded nicely in game five, bowling a near-perfect game as they scored a 294, winning by 150 pins to advance in the bracket. 

Marian will continue their quest for an NAIA Championship tomorrow at 8:00 a.m., when they bowl against Indiana Tech in the Second Round. Indiana Tech is the No. 2 overall seed in the tournament.

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