NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- The Augustana Vikings women's bowling team fell just outside the top four in the final CCIW regular season tournament over the weekend, placing fifth overall in the conference. The top four teams advance to the CCIW Championships later this month.

The Vikings entered the weekend sitting in fourth overall following their efforts at the first CCIW tournament, which was Baker format. In this weekend's traditional tournament, Augie finished 2-2 on Saturday, including a win over Carroll who was neck and neck with them in the standings. The Vikings defeated Lakeland for their other win, but fell to each of the co-conference champions Marian and Aurora to account for their two losses. Augie fought hard with Aurora in the day's third match, coming up short by just 28 points. 

On Sunday, Augustana went 1-2. The day begun with a close 15-point loss to Elmhurst, followed by a 833-764 defeat to North Central. The Vikings closed the weekend with a win over third-place Carthage, but it was not enough as they ended a game behind third and fourth place. Augustana finished the two CCIW tournaments with a 9-7 record.

"It did not end how we hoped for, but we still have a lot to celebrate on the season as a whole," said head coach Marty Resner.

On an individual level, Madelyn Lathrop finished third overall after averaging 182.7 and closing 76 percent of her frames. She had a high score of 206 throughout the two-day event.

Senior Abigail Clark closes out her career at Augie with a 187, which is 17 pins over average. She will have one more chance to represent Augustana and compete individually this Friday at the USBC individual sectionals. 

Sophia Osborne stepped in and performed well for her final outing as a Viking, posting highs of 189 and 180 to help her finish the weekend above her average. She was also the second best frame filler on the team for the weekend. 

"All eight bowlers got to compete and gain experience from the tough oil conditions on the lane and from the intense competition of the CCIW," Resner added. "As always it will be sad to see the seniors go, but they have helped create a culture that will hopefully be valuable as we continue to build for the future."

In addition to Clark, Kennedy Sawyer and Rose Klinger will also be competing at the USBC individual sectionals.