FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – The No. 11-ranked Sacred Heart University women's bowling team placed third out of 15 teams at the three-day Bearcat Invitational, hosted by McKendree. 

The Pioneers finished the event with a 7-6 overall record, including a pair of wins over nationally ranked opponents. 

SHU started the event with a 3-2 record in baker matches, claiming wins over Western Illinois (1,088-920), Oklahoma Christian (1,028-935) and Central Missouri (934-879). 

The Pios also went 3-2 in traditional play. Sacred Heart racked up wins over UIndy (1,094-946), Jackson State (1,094-946) and Marian (1,058-834).

After qualifying second heading into Sunday's championship bracket, a 4-2 loss to No. 21 Valparaiso in the first round set a second-round match against No. 10 Maryville, which saw the Saints claim the victory. The Pios bounced back with a 4-2 win over hosting No. 15 McKendree in the third-place match. 

Senior Hope Bunk led the event in traditional match scoring, averaging 215.40 pins over five matches for 1,077 pins. Karleigh LeMond was not far behind in fifth with a 204.60 average. 

The Pioneers will have off until Friday, Jan. 16, for the first day of the three-day Northeast Classic, which SHU will host at the Bowlerama in New Castle, Del.