LANSING, Mich. - The Marian men's bowling team competed at the second day of the NAIA National Tournament on Friday afternoon, continuing its success as the Knights knocked off Lawrence Tech twice, improving to 4-0 and winning the Red Bracket to reach the NAIA Championship match.
In Marian's first match, the Knights competed against No. 2 seed Lawrence Tech, battling the Blue Devils once again to add another chapter to the two schools' head-to-head history in the NAIA Championship. In the individual team games, the Blue Devils took a 1-0 lead on Marian, as the Knights were unable to secure the first point after falling 1029-919. Marian would rebound in the baker's five of the mega match, outscoring Lawrence Tech 1266-1159, tying the overall match 1-1. The draw forced a best-of-seven baker series, which Marian was able to dethrone the second seed in a 4-2 battle, giving the Knights a 2-1 mega match win.
The win for the Knights advanced them to the red bracket championship, where they would rematch against Lawrence Tech once again after the Blue Devils avoided elimination with a win over SCAD Savannah. Marian started out in front against Lawrence Tech, taking the team game 1005-946, grabbing an early 1-0 lead in the mega match. The Blue Devils would respond in the five-game baker series, out-scoring the Knights 1021-898 to level the match 1-1. With a spot in the national championship match on the line, Marian needed another win over Lawrence Tech in the best-of-seven series, taking series 4-1 to stamp its ticket to the championship match.
Marian's second 2-1 win over Lawrence Tech improves the team to 4-0 on the week at the NAIA Championship, with upsets over the No. 2 and No. 3 team in the red bracket.
On Saturday, Marian University will bowl for its second consecutive NAIA National Championship, taking on Mount Mercy at 11 a.m. in the title match. Mount Mercy was the winner of the Blue Bracket, and 3-0 as the No. 1 seed.
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