The 2025-26 season was a successful one for the Adelphi University bowling team. The Panthers improved in nearly every statistical category while posting their best finish at the ECC Championship under head coach Arthur O'Connor.
Adelphi finished fourth in the postseason, falling in a heartbreaking semifinal match to Kutztown, but there were plenty of reasons for the Panthers to hold their heads high. The team increased its average by 12 pins per frame, improved its fill percentage by 6%, and raised its first-ball 9+ rate by 6.9%. Strike percentage went up by 4.8%, while overall spare shooting increased by 12%. There were boosts in both single-pin (4.7%) and multi-pin makeable spares (4.8%). The Panthers also reduced splits, improved 10th-frame execution, and saw a 7.4% increase in Baker doubles.
Tiffany Wong was a key cog in the Adelphi bowling bowling machine, putting together one of the most consistent seasons on the team. The senior averaged 19.52 pins per frame with an impressive 88% fill percentage and a 50% strike rate, while posting a 9.04 first-ball average. She excelled in spare shooting, converting 90.9% of single-pin opportunities and 85% of all makeable spares. When the team needed her most, Wong came through, as she put up a 52% strike rate in the ninth frame. Her season also included strong tournament showings, such as a 187 average at the Wildcat Invitational and a standout performance at the Griffin Baker Classic. Improving her average by eight pins from last year, Wong also ranked 15th nationally in split conversion rate (20%). A math major with a 3.968 GPA, she will return next season as a co-captain.
Fellow senior and co-captain Giana Giampapa had a career-best performance at the ECC Championship, where she was named to the All-Tournament Team. Giampapa recorded a 259 high game while averaging 22.5 pins per frame in traditional play and 20.7 in Baker. She compiled a 60% strike rate, 92.5% fill percentage, and converted 95% of her spare attempts, including 88% of multi-pin spares. Finishing with the top tournament average of the season and improving her overall average by 14 pins, the nursing major's leadership will be hard to replace.
Carly Wu was extremely important to the team in her senior season with her consistent performances and reliability in knocking down spares. Wu was Adelphi's top finisher at the Garden State Classic, placing 19th with a 183 average. She posted an 8.49 first-ball average in traditional play and 8.83 in Baker, while leading the team in Baker play with a 67.9% rate of knocking down nine or more pins on the first ball. Wu converted 25 of 28 single-pin spare attempts and improved her average by eight pins this season. A nursing major, her steady play in the lineup and leadership will be missed.
Freshman Marissa Funk emerged as one of the best young bowlers in the ECC, putting together an impressive first season. Funk finished with a 191.4 average, the highest ever by an Adelphi freshman, and earned Second Team All-ECC honors. She impressed immediately at her first collegiate meet, knocking down 1,035 total pins and earned a 207 average at the NJ Open. The tournament included a high game of 244. Throughout the season, Funk averaged over 20 pins per frame in multiple events, maintained a strike rate above 50%, and consistently performed in high-pressure situations as Adelphi's anchor bowler. Her spare shooting was exceptional as she converted 95% of single-pin opportunities in mulitiple competitions. A double major in environmental science and chemistry with a perfect 4.0 GPA, O'Connor is excited to see how Funk progresses throughout her career.
Erica DeJesus made one of the biggest leaps on the team, improving her average by 14 pins per game. Her top performance came at the Dr. Robert Cincotta Memorial Tournament, where she had an average of 190 and helped lead Adelphi to a third-place finish. DeJesus increased her strike percentage from 27% to 36% and her first ball 9+% from 52% to over 62%. An exercise science major, she is set to lead the team as a co-captain next season.
Payton Hoffay expanded her role this year from a designated 10-pin specialist into a reliable option off the bench. Her development in spare shooting, especially from the left side, proved important as she put together four key washout conversions at the Cincotta Memorial. She will compete for a starting role next season.
Gayle Lopez continued her progression this season. The two-handed lefty is one of the team's hardest-working athletes and a dependable spare shooter, positioning herself as a contender for a spot in next year's starting lineup.
With a strong group of returners, four new bowlers, and a lot of excitement surrounding the team, 2026-27 looks to be another successful season for O'Connor and the Adelphi bowling team.
