YSU women’s bowling team announces roster for first season

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown State head women’s bowling coach Chelsea Gilliam has announced the program’s complete roster for its inaugural season of competition in 2016-17.

The roster is comprised of 11 student-athletes, eight of whom are freshmen. Two of the bowlers are left-handed, and six are from Ohio. Two more bowlers are from Michigan, a pair is from Illinois and one is from New York.

“This year’s roster is full of talent,” Gilliam said. “I am looking forward to getting the team on the lanes and seeing what all they can do. They get along so well and all have the same goal in mind. We want to make nationals as a first-year program.”

Emily Dietz, Ashley Kolb and Nikki Mendez were the first three bowlers to sign a National Letter of Intent to become Penguins last November, and Ohioans Rachel Darrow, Michaela Edwards and Alexis Grim each signed an NLI in May. Those six will be joined in 2016-17 by junior Victoria Maracle, sophomores Rachel Ellis and Mackenzie Olesky and freshmen Kirsten Ensminger and Jenna Mendez.

Maracle is a transfer from Corning Community College in New York, and she has championship-level experience. As a sophomore she won the doubles competition at the NJCAA National Championship, and she was a key member of the national runners-up in the team competition. Olesky, a Girard native, competed on the club team at Ohio State last year.

“Mackenzie and Victoria are both transfers who will also be bringing some collegiate experience to our team,” Gilliam said. “They can help be leaders on the lanes during practices and tournaments.”

Ellis also has collegiate experience on her resume having competed for Youngstown State’s club team.

“Adding Rachel to our roster was a big asset,” Gilliam said. “She comes to us from the club team, so she is our only on-campus returner. Not only is she going to bring some collegiate experience to the team, she will also be a leader and help the new members around campus.”

Jenna Mendez and Ensminger join the large contingent of freshmen on the team. Jenna Mendez is the twin sister of teammate Nikki Mendez.

“Jenna Mendez and Kirsten Ensminger are going to add some depth to our roster,” Gilliam said. “They are going to help us both on the lanes and in the classroom.”