The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Caitlin Cunningham Dominates at the Lee Evans Tournament of the Americas
8/13/2018 4:39:00 PM | Women's Bowling
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – UAB bowling's Caitlin Cunningham put on a dazzling display for the United States in the first adult tournament of her career, winning seven gold medals and one bronze medal at the 56th Annual Lee Evans Tournament of the Americas in Plantation, Florida.
Cunningham is the first Blazer in program history to compete in the prestigious competition, which boasts the title of the oldest yearly international tournament in the American Zone. She is also the first Blazer to represent the United States in an international competition.
"This was a great experience, especially since this was my first adult tournament," Cunningham said. "It gave me a lot of confidence going into this next season and it just showed me that I can do anything. I've practiced so hard this summer, preparing for every tournament I've bowled in. This really showed that with hard work, dedication and focus, anything can happen. I can't wait to see what's next this year and in my future bowling career."
The Honolulu, Hawai'i, native got off to a red-hot start in singles action, taking the early lead through the opening six games with a dominant 215.0 average to give her a +90 advantage. She finished +107 with an average of 209.8 for the 12-game event, with her best score coming in Game 4 when she knocked down an impressive 265 pins.
That momentum carried over into doubles play where Cunningham and her partner, Sharon Ryan, scratched 1,288 and 1,080, respectively, to finish doubles at +88 and claim another gold medal.
After battling for a bronze medal finish in mixed doubles, the junior closed out the tournament with gold medals in team, all events, national team, adult female high game and adult female high series to bring her gold medal count to seven.
"I am so proud of Caitlin," head coach Michelle Crews said. "She has worked so hard these last few years to really elevate her bowling game. To see her go into this event and wear the USA on her shirt in her first adult tournament is incredible. I look forward to getting her back on the lanes and seeing her use this experience to gain some confidence in her ability next season."
UAB returns its entire squad from the historic 2017-18 season and adds three newcomers for the upcoming campaign. The Blazers also look forward to their first season as members of the MEAC.
For more information on the UAB bowling team, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_Bowl) or like them on Facebook (Facebook.com/UABBowling2011).
Cunningham is the first Blazer in program history to compete in the prestigious competition, which boasts the title of the oldest yearly international tournament in the American Zone. She is also the first Blazer to represent the United States in an international competition.
"This was a great experience, especially since this was my first adult tournament," Cunningham said. "It gave me a lot of confidence going into this next season and it just showed me that I can do anything. I've practiced so hard this summer, preparing for every tournament I've bowled in. This really showed that with hard work, dedication and focus, anything can happen. I can't wait to see what's next this year and in my future bowling career."
The Honolulu, Hawai'i, native got off to a red-hot start in singles action, taking the early lead through the opening six games with a dominant 215.0 average to give her a +90 advantage. She finished +107 with an average of 209.8 for the 12-game event, with her best score coming in Game 4 when she knocked down an impressive 265 pins.
That momentum carried over into doubles play where Cunningham and her partner, Sharon Ryan, scratched 1,288 and 1,080, respectively, to finish doubles at +88 and claim another gold medal.
After battling for a bronze medal finish in mixed doubles, the junior closed out the tournament with gold medals in team, all events, national team, adult female high game and adult female high series to bring her gold medal count to seven.
"I am so proud of Caitlin," head coach Michelle Crews said. "She has worked so hard these last few years to really elevate her bowling game. To see her go into this event and wear the USA on her shirt in her first adult tournament is incredible. I look forward to getting her back on the lanes and seeing her use this experience to gain some confidence in her ability next season."
UAB returns its entire squad from the historic 2017-18 season and adds three newcomers for the upcoming campaign. The Blazers also look forward to their first season as members of the MEAC.
For more information on the UAB bowling team, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_Bowl) or like them on Facebook (Facebook.com/UABBowling2011).
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