First place honors. Just not the first team.
In a surprising twist, the Grand Canyon University Bowling team sent their men's varsity, men's junior varsity, and women's squads to the Glenn Carlson Las Vegas Invitational and Collegiate Shootout over the holiday break, and it was the men's JV team that earned first-place honors.
JV Squad
The JV squad got off to a hot start in the Glenn Carlson Invitational Tournament, sweeping their nine qualifying team games. Lopes' sophomore Justin Kocher led the way with a 297-pinfall game on the first day.
"It was a cool moment for our team to experience together," said GCU Head Coach Ben Canfield. "When Justin was up there, you could feel the energy in the building. He'll remember that game for a long time."
The JV Lopes then knocked off Milligan University (Tennessee) in the finals, winning a best-of-five Baker style series, 3-2.
They then picked up right where they left off the next day in their second tournament of the week, the Collegiate Shootout, sweeping their qualifying matches. Lopes' junior Jake Fenn secured a top-25 individual finish at the event, helping GCU push past Emmanuel College (Georgia) in the Championship match.
"This was my first tier one tournament and it was an incredible experience," said Fenn. "While the top-25 individual finish feels great, I wouldn't have been able to accomplish it without my teammates and coaches supporting me and helping me make adjustments."
 Varsity Squad
The GCU men's varsity squad had a rougher start in the qualifying team games at the Glenn Carlson Invitational, seeding 14th out of 16. They then picked up their performance, led by Lopes' sophomore Nick Barrieault (9th overall finish), and knocked off 3rd-seeded Newman University (Kansas) in the first round of bracket play. The Lopes won their next matchup against University of Texas San Antonio in the round of eight and fell to 2nd-seeded Wichita State University in the semifinals.
"The run we made in bracket play showed what we're capable of, but there's still a lot we need to work on," said Canfield. "Consistency. We need to get out of the gates quicker and finish when the pressure is on."
The varsity squad got out to a disappointing start at the Collegiate Shootout, finishing 18th overall.
Lady Lopes
In their first tournament action of the year, the GCU Women's Bowling team improved upon their team finishes from last season, jumping multiple spots in both the Glenn Carlson Invitational and the Collegiate Shootout.
GCU juniors Ashley Fairbanks and Erika Kemp led the way for the Lady Lopes at the Glenn Carlson Invitational, and senior Mackenzie Theophilus was the top team performer at the Collegiate Shootout.
"I'm proud of the women's team so far this season," said Canfield. "They're showing steady improvement."
