EMMITSBURG, Md. – The Mercyhurst women's bowling team traveled to Maryland over the weekend to participate in the Mount Shootout, hosted by Mount St. Mary's. The Lakers started off their 2026 with an 8^th place finish out of 14 teams.
 
In Friday's Baker competition, the Lakers were unable to secure a victory despite strong performances throughout. The Blue and Green fell to Maryland Easter Shore, Niagara, and Malloy by close margins, scoring 1,031-1,017, 1,045-1,013, and 952-905 respectively. After losses to Kutztown and Bryant, the Lakers were looking to bounce back in Saturday's competition.
 
In Traditional competition, the Lakers rebounded with resounding victories against Howard, Holy Family, Morgan State, and NEC member Wagner over the course of the day. The Lakers' only loss came at the hands of Duquesne by a score of 1,022-935. Their most dominating game of the weekend was against Wagner, where the score was held at 1,041-579.
 
In Sunday's championship bracket, the Lakers would begin the day in 7^th place and face off against the 8-seed Kutztown. The Lakers would go on to take the series to 7 games and win 4-3 before moving on to Bryant. The Hurst would battle closely and eventually fall 4-2 and thus placed in the 7^th place-finish match against Kutztown. The Lakers would eventually be swept in 4 games and finish the weekend in 8^th place.
 
The Blue and Green finished the weekend with a record of 4-6 and 9,776 total pins between traditional and baker competition, as well as an average of 195.5 pins per game.
 
Tia Germanich finished 5^th in the tournament with 1,091 total pins through 5 games, along with an average of 218.20 per game. Ahmielle Roberts also had a strong weekend with an 8^th place finish. Roberts logged 1,079 total pins and a 215.80 per game average. Freshman Lily Watts shined with 933 total pins and an average of 186.6 per game, placing in 41^st.
 
The Lakers will next travel to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania for the 2^nd NEC meet of the season Friday, February 13.