Merino turned in a pair of sensational showings during the first two competitions of her senior season. Adelphi’s anchor was rock solid at both the Kutztown Fall Baker Invite and the Kutztown Fall Team Invite, which took place on October 22 & 23, respectively, at Heister Lanes in Reading, PA. On her way to becoming the only bowler to earn a spot on both All-Tournament Teams, Merino accounted for a 20.35 baker frame average followed by a 19.66 frame average during traditional team play. She cashed in on 58 of her 129 strike opportunities over the two-day span. She left only five opens over 48 frames of baker bowling, totaling a 977 pinfall. One day later, the New York City native posted an .820 filled frames percentage in traditional match play. Her 196.6 traditional average over the course of five team matches, four of which were won by Adelphi, ranked third amongst all competitors contesting Sunday’s event. She thrice reached the 200-pin mark, opening play with her weekend high of 214. The Merino-led Panthers won eight of the season’s first 10 matches this past weekend.
