INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Carthage College women's bowling team opened its season with a 12th-place finish at the Western Shootout at Royal Pin Western Bowl, improving on its 19th-place finish at last year's event.

The Firebirds competed against 30 other teams and 240 bowlers in the season-opening tournament, establishing early momentum with a strong team performance.

Freshman Nicole Weber led Carthage individually, finishing 13th overall with a six-game average of 200.8. Weber recorded a high game of 245 to lead the Firebirds in her collegiate debut.

Junior Airie Frost averaged 183.4 across five games, while sophomore Emmary Arciniega-Sanchez posted a six-game average of 181. Sophomore Jocelyn Garcia-Cruz averaged 167 over six games, contributing to Carthage's team finish.

Freshmen Allissa Gerth and Lorena Alvarez also turned in solid performances, averaging 170 and 163, respectively, across five games each. Freshman Danika Hoffland averaged 161.6 in five games, while freshman Mylie Fujinaka recorded a six-game average of 152.5.

The Firebirds will return to competition at the Midwest DIII Roundup on Oct. 17-18 at Bertrand Lanes in Waukegan, Illinois.