SMYRNA, Tenn. — Rachel Ong finished the weekend in second place with a 1,294 for a 215.67 average at the Music City Classic hosted by No. 3 Vanderbilt at the Smyrna Bowling Center on Sunday.
 
The Bulldogs (83-43) started with their lowest game of the tournament in a 1,031-824 loss to No. 5 Wichita State. Ong ended her second-place performance with a 216.
 
LA Tech had an up-and-down first match against Newman. The Bulldogs won the first game of the best-of-seven set, 227-209. The Jets took a 2-1 advantage after winning the next two, 201-189 and 201-171. Tech tied it, 208-152, before Newman won game five, 179-171.
 
Having to win out, Louisiana Tech rolled in the plus in each of the final two. The Bulldogs won 223-182 before clinching the set 207-176.
 
That set up a critical match against No. 9 Stephen F. Austin. Both teams were looking for a win to help their chances of making the NCAA tournament without having to win the gauntlet of the Conference USA tournament.
 
The Ladyjacks held the early advantage after taking the opening game 195-157. LA Tech put that game behind them and rolled an 864 over the next four to end the day. The Bulldogs won 233-190, 232-186, 203-194 and 196-169.
 
During the tournament, head coach Matt Nantais picked up his 900th career win and No. 600 at Louisiana Tech (83-43). The Bulldogs' 83 wins are the second most in a season, only behind last year's 88.
 
QUOTEABLES
Head Coach Matt Nantais
 
"It was another successful weekend for the team, finishing with a strong 10-2 record—hopefully enough to secure a spot in an NCAA regional. We're peaking at the right time, which should make the Conference tournament an exciting challenge. With only one day off before we hit the road again for championships, the girls will barely have time to do laundry and repack. Once we arrive in New Orleans, we'll get in a practice session Wednesday morning for our first match."
 
UP NEXT
Louisiana Tech will head down to Harahan, Louisiana, for the Conference USA Championships at Colonial Lanes starting on March 21.
 
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