Jennies bowling came within a match of defeating top-seeded Mckendree University at the MIAA Conference Championship Saturday and Sunday at Andy B’s in Springfield, Missouri.

The double-elimination tournament didn’t start well as the Jennies fell behind after dropping their first match 4-0 against Maryville. With backs against the wall in the loser’s bracket, the Jennies defeated both 5-seeded Elmhurst College and 4-seeded Drury University to set up a rematch with Maryville.

In vengeful fashion, the Jennies beat the Saints 4-1 to advance to the finals against McKendree.

The Jennies needed to defeat the Bearcats twice to take the championship and took the first step in a 4-1 win to set up a final match. The Jennies ran out of gas on the last leg and were swept 4-0 in the deciding match.

The Bearcats won the MIAA Championship for the second consecutive season with the Jennies in second. It is the third straight season the two teams have finished at the top of the conference tournament.

The Jennies await the results of the NCAA’s Selection Show to see where they will compete in the regional tournament.