HAMBURG, N.Y. – The Mercyhurst Women's Bowling team traveled to up the I-90 to Hamburg, N.Y. for the Hilbert Hammer Classic over the weekend. The Lakers had a strong showing, finishing 4^th out of 8 teams in the tournament.
 
In Traditional competition, the Lakers began by losing in a close matchup against William Smith by a score of 851-828. In their next pair a matches against Daemen and D'Youville, the Blue and Green were able to come away with resounding victories, scoring 836-785 and 878-762 respectively. In their final pair of traditional matchups, the Lakers were unable to come away with a victory, falling to Roberts Wesleyan and fellow NEC opponent Niagara.
 
In Baker competition, the Lakers would go 2-2, with wins coming against host Hilbert by a score of 897-839 and a victory of 875-825 over Daemen. The Lakers would also face off against Saint Vincent twice during their Baker games, but were unable to come away with a win.
 
During the bracket competition on Sunday, the Lakers would face off against William Smith after finishing the opening day of competition in 5^th place. Fighting for 3^rd place, the Lakers would dominate in their first game of the matchup and defeat William Smith 192-136. The Lakers were only able to win games 5 and 6 in addition to the opening game, and would fall in 7 total games, thus securing 4^th place for the weekend.
 
The Lakers finished the weekend with a record of 4-6 and 8,891 total pins split between traditional, baker, and bracket competition. Through 52 games, the Blue and Green were able to secure 171.0 pins per game average, as well as 3 bowlers in the tournament Top 20.
 
Sophomore Tatiana Llera finished 10^th in the tournament with 895 total pins and an average of 179.0 per game. Mackensie Livingston also had a strong showing, finishing 13^th with 855 pins and an average of 171.0. Lily Watts finished the weekend in 17^th place with 821 pins and a 164.2 average as well.
 
The Lakers will resume play February 6 for the Mount Shootout in Emmitsburg, Maryland.