LANSING, Mich. - The Marian men's bowling team saw its remarkable run at the 2026 NAIA National Championship come to a close on Saturday afternoon, as the Knights were defeated in the NAIA Championship match by Mount Mercy 2-1 in the final mega match of the weekend. Marian went 4-1 at the NAIA Championship, ending their season as NAIA National Runner-Ups.

The Knights got off to a hot start on Saturday, winning the team game by a 1056-1027 score, taking a quick 1-0 lead on Mount Mercy. 

In the baker-five series, the Knights started strong and led after two games, but quickly fell behind as a charge of strikes pulled the Mustangs in the lead. Mount Mercy would go on to win the series by a total pin collection of 1095-988, leveling the mega match 1-1.

The competition turned to a best-of-seven baker set, which favored the Knights going into the round after winning two baker seven's on Friday. Marian won the first game against Mount Mercy, but would not keep the edge, as the Mustangs charged back and won four consecutive games, taking the NAIA Championship with the 2-1 mega match result. 

Marian's run at the NAIA National Championship finished with a 4-1 record, bringing home the NAIA Runner-Up trophy for the first time in program history. Marian's runner-up comes one year after winning their first title, and marks the best two-year run in program history. 

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