FORT WORTH, Texas — The Louisiana Tech bowling team finished second at the Bulldog Classic at Cityview Lanes on Sunday.
 
Eleventh-ranked Louisiana Tech (73-41) and No. 8 Sam Houston started the day with a high-scoring match. The Bearkats took the opening game 234-211. The Bulldogs continued to shoot in the plus and won games two and three, 203-192 and 202-188. The carry stopped for Tech, and the 'Dogs didn't strike until the eighth frame in a 244-187 loss. SHSU took the lead in game five.
 
It looked like the Bearkats would take the set in six, but halfway through, LA Tech found their mark and strung together the back seven to force a game seven with a 246-218 win. Opting to stay on the same lane, Tech couldn't hit their mark but still had an opportunity to take the match late. However, Sam Houston would come away with a 209-179 win and take the match 4-3.
 
With an opportunity to get to the championship match, Louisiana Tech took on Oklahoma Christian for the third time in two days. Unlike the previous two meetings, this one scored lower. The Bulldogs only had two strikes in the opening game and fell 206-187. From there, Tech won the next four.
 
The 'Dogs won games two and three with some room to spare, 185-158 and 200-181. The final two came down to the 10th frame. Each time, Paulina Avalos needed a mark, and she delivered. Tech came away 155-152 winners in game four, and Avalos struck in game five to seal the 173-166 win.
 
The championship match was a rematch against Sam Houston. The struggles continued for the Bulldogs, dropping all four games to finish second.

QUOTEABLES
Head Coach Matt Nantais
 
"This weekend had its ups and downs. After the first two days, leading the field by 300 pins gave me a lot of confidence heading into the bracket. Unfortunately, we didn't perform to our full potential today and finished in second place. It was frustrating to watch, knowing we were capable of more. I need to do a better job of finding the right equipment and adjusting to the lanes. With two regular-season events left, we'll regroup, learn from this, and come back stronger."

UP NEXT
Louisiana Tech will travel to Addison, Illinois, to take part in the United States Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Team and Singles Sectionals starting on March 7.
 
SUPPORT LA TECH ATHLETICS
Championships require-e championship resources.  Fans can make a direct impact on the success of LA Tech Athletics through LTAC, Aillet Society, T-Club, and Young Alumni program as well as the Bulldog Community Outreach which is the NIL collective that supports Bulldog and Lady Techster student-athletes. Visit BuildTheLegacy.com today.
 
BARK LOUDER
Our mission is to engage, develop, and advance the Louisiana Tech Athletics brand.  You can do that by spending time consuming our content and by investing your talents. By barking louder with your time and talent, you can affect progress and brand advancement in a meaningful way.  Visit LATechSports.com/BarkLouder today.  You bark.  We bark.  Louder together.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
For all the latest in Bulldog Bowling, follow us on X (@LATechBowl), Instagram (@LATechBowl), and Facebook (LATechBowl).