2011 Intercollegiate National Champions
Tournament Analysis:
During qualifying, the Bulldogs secured the 12th spot in the Double-Elimination Bracket and faced Purdue in the first round. The match came down to a decisive seventh game, where Fresno State emerged victorious, advancing to face Toledo. The Bulldogs then defeated Toledo (4-2) and moved on to play against Wichita State. Once again, the match went to a deciding seventh game, but this time Wichita State prevailed, sending the Bulldogs to the loser's bracket.
In a do-or-die match against Davenport, the Bulldogs triumphed (4-2) to advance to the semi-finals, where they would face the team that had previously sent them to the loser's bracket: the Wichita State Shockers. With the semi-finals scheduled for the next morning, the Bulldogs spent the night preparing for the crucial matches ahead, knowing they needed to defeat the Shockers twice in best-of-seven matches to reach the finals.
Bulldog Captain and Runner-up MVP Greg Geering rallied the team for what would become the most significant day in Bulldog history. In the first semi-final, the Bulldogs won a thrilling game seven against the Shockers, forcing a second semi-final match. Riding the wave of momentum, the Bulldogs defeated the reigning national champions (4-2) to advance to the finals against Webber International.
In the best-of-three TV finals, the Bulldogs' momentum was palpable. They swept Webber International to claim the Helmer Cup, becoming the 2011 Intercollegiate National Champions. The Fresno State Bulldogs' historic victory showcased their resilience, skill, and determination, marking a milestone in the program's history.
2015 Intercollegiate Club Champions
Tournament Analysis:
In the qualifying rounds, Fresno State secured the 3rd position in their pool, just shy of earning a coveted bye in the double-elimination bracket. Our team faced off against Ball State in the opening round. Fresno dominated the lanes with a resounding 3-0 victory over Ball State, propelling us into a showdown with West TX. A&M. Maintaining our winning streak, Fresno clinched a 3-1 victory against West TX. A&M, entering the final day of competition in the winner's bracket
The following morning brought a tense matchup against Purdue, culminating in a decisive game 5. Our anchor bowler, Riely Chin, faced a moment of truth, needing three consecutive strikes in the 10th frame to secure victory by a mere pin. With unwavering focus, Chin delivered, propelling Fresno State into the winner's bracket to face off against the nation's top-ranked club team, Wisconsin Whitewater. The Bulldogs delivered a commanding performance, clinching a 3-1 victory and advancing to the Winner's Bracket finals against Morehead University.
In a high-stakes clash, Fresno State prevailed over Morehead University with a 3-1 victory, securing their spot in the Finals. Meanwhile, Morehead University triumphed over Whitewater, setting the stage for a thrilling rematch in the finals: Fresno State vs. Morehead. With Morehead needing to win twice to claim the title, Fresno State rose to the occasion, sealing a 3-1 victory and clinching the Glenn Carlson Cup, a fitting reward for our program!
There were no TV finals and the stream that showed our final match is no longer in service. Please see our local news coverage talk about the win!
2005 Intercollegiate Nationals Runner Up
Tournament Analysis:
The Bulldogs entered the Intercollegiate Championships ranked 8th, spearheaded by the remarkable talent of Player of the Year, P.J. Haggerty. Their journey kicked off with a resounding victory against Vincennes University, with a final score of 4.5 - 2.5, setting the stage for a showdown with top-seeded Kansas in the next round. The Bulldogs triumphed over the reigning national champions in six intense games, paving their path to the quarterfinals against West Texas A&M.
Remaining undefeated, the Bulldogs faced West Texas A&M, knowing that a win would force their opponents in the semifinals to defeat them twice to secure a spot in the TV Finals. In a thrilling match, the Bulldogs clinched victory in six games, edging closer to their inaugural TV Finals appearance. However, their anticipation was met with uncertainty as they awaited their next opponent, only to discover it was once again West Texas A&M.
Despite their previous victory, the Bulldogs knew facing West Texas A&M for a second time would pose a formidable challenge. The semi-final match escalated to a tense game 7, testing the Bulldogs' resolve. Fortunately, they emerged triumphant, earning their place in the TV Finals against Lindenwood.
Transitioning to a best-of-three format, the Bulldogs knew they had to make a strong start. Although the first match was fiercely contested, the Bulldogs fell short, trailing by one game and facing a must-win situation. Despite their best efforts, they couldn't secure victory in the next game, ultimately conceding the match.
While the outcome may have been disappointing, the journey marked numerous firsts in program history, showcasing the Bulldogs' resilience and setting the stage for future triumphs.
California State University - Fresno Bowling
fresnostatebowling@gmail.com