Hackensack, N.J. — Head coach Arthur O'Connor and the Adelphi bowling team made their 2025-26 season debut over the weekend when they took part in the FDU hosted NJ Open.

The Panthers started the year off with a bang, earning a decisive 996-889 win over No. 22 nationally ranked Felician in traditional play. Erica DeJesus (224), Carly Wu (241) and Giana Giampapa (208) all impressed with scores all over 200. Freshman Marissa Funk was the team leader in total pinfall (1,035) with high games of 244, 234 and 220 on day one as the Cats went 3-2.

Day two baker play saw more success for Adelphi as well as tough competition. O'Connor's squad earned wins over Dominican and Holy Family and although they hung tough with more ranked competition, they fell to No. 17 FDU and No. 23 Delaware State. The Panthers put up a team-high score of 969 in the win over Dominican with DeJesus, Wu, Funk, Funk, Payton Hoffay and Gayle Lopez all contributing.

The third day saw playoff bowling for the Cats and they pounced on Molloy in the opening match, defeating the Lions 1,040 to 1,010. Another loss to Delaware State saw Adelphi playing for fifth place in a second matchup with Molloy. The Panthers fell behind early and could not make back enough pins as they finished in sixth for the tournament.

The sixth place finish put Adelphi above Felician, Holy Family, Caldwell and LIU. The team's average of 175.8 was the highest in O'Connor's tenure.

The Panthers will look to improve upon their exciting start when they return to the lanes on Saturday, Nov. 1 for the Golden Bear Invite in Sinking Springs, Pa.