Dobie, Wright State bowling solid advance ITC nationals

“It was huge,” Dobie said. “It’s the first time the men have ever made it to the national level. Our goal from the very beginning of the season was to qualify from our sectionals into the nationals.”

The Raiders finished fourth at the ITC sectionals in Chattanooga, Tenn., on March 12.

“Our goal was to get top-four,” Dobie said. “We didn’t want to peak at the sectionals, we wanted to peak at nationals. To come out fourth, was huge. We were really happy with that.”

After the first two qualifying rounds at the ITC, which decided seeding for the double-elimination baker match-play tournament, Wright State was fourth — the highest any team had qualified in school history.

“It was huge,” Dobie said. “We proved that we’re right up there with the best teams in the country.”

In the opening round, the Raiders lost to Toledo 4-1 in a best-of-seven series. They were eliminated by Purdue in the loser’s bracket 4-2.

Dobie said the performance, however, was a big confidence builder for the Raiders, who’ll bring back the entire team next fall.

“We’ll be a lot stronger next year,” Dobie said.

They had several other strong results this season, including a third-place finish at the 60-team Blue and Gold tournament at the University of Notre Dame.

“We bowled well all year,” Dobie said. “Hopefully, we can keep improving and make a run at a national title next season.”

Dobie finished the season with a 195 average, including one top-five finish at the American Heartland Invitational on Sept. 25.

He said he spent most of the offseason perfecting his game after feeling “in a slump” his freshman season.

“I’m not scoring as well as I would’ve liked, but I feel a lot more confident as a bowler,” Dobie said. “I’ll keep working hard and hope I can keep improving for next season.”

Kenton Ridge graduate Jessica Baker and the Wichita State women’s team also bowled at the ITC nationals. The Shockers fell to eventual runner-up Lindenwood in the winner’s bracket quarterfinals. They were eliminated by Adelphi in the second round of the loser’s bracket.