Belton, MO. - The Ottawa men's bowling team won their first tournament of the season this weekend at the Eagle Invitationals.

At Eagle Invitational I on Saturday, the Braves finished 10th with a 4,655 total for five team games. Shay White led all Ottawa bowlers with a 1,026 total for five games while bowling for the JV team, and Tre Preston led the varsity team in 26th with a 1,005 total, also for five games.

On Sunday for Eagle Invitational II, Ottawa jumped into first place after the fourth of five five-game baker sets, and held onto that lead for a 5,047 pinfall for 25 games.

Coach Poston's Thoughts
"I was not thrilled with our varsity men and women's performances on Saturday. We made a ton of unforced errors and left a lot of pins out on the lanes. However, I was proud of the way we bounced back Sunday winning both tournaments. Including our jv girls who had a nice weekend as well. It was nice to get some wins and build some momentum going into the final stretch of our season."

Coach Maida's Thoughts
"As a team we struggled on Saturday. We know we are a better team than what we showed. The goal on Sunday was to go out and prove to ourselves and everyone else the team we really are. The guys stuck together and did just that, coming away with the win on Sunday."

Up Next
The Ottawa bowling teams are local next weekend as they will compete at the NAIA West Tournaments on February 1-2. The varsity teams will bowl at Royal Crest Lanes in Lawrence, and the JV teams will be in Topeka at Gage Bowl.