Bowling is a popular pastime for many Americans, but the 10 women on Tulane’s bowling team take the competition to another level. Since the program’s start in 2011, Tulane bowling has been a competitive force, and the team is looking to continue improving this season.

Though it is considered a winter sport, the bowling season begins in October and extends all the way into April. Green Wave bowling will kick off its fall season Friday in Orlando, competing against opponents such as No. 1 ranked Nebraska and No. 2 ranked Arkansas State. Head coach Hayley Veitch is excited to begin the season against tough competition.

“We enjoy competing against any team,” Veitch said. “However, we always strive to beat the top-ranked teams… I know we are more than capable of beating any team on any given day.”

Tulane is currently ranked No. 18 in preseason rankings, but the team hopes to move up come April.

“I would like the team to be a top 15 team by the end of the season, which is well within our reach,” Veitch said.

Junior bowler Michelle Ng also has goals for the season, both for the team and herself.

“Team-wise, I’m hoping we can get a better win-lose ratio,” Ng said. “Personally, I’m hoping to be in more all tournament teams and be nominated for the All-American team.”

Ng has proven to be an asset to the team in previous seasons according to Veitch.

“Michelle Ng did a fantastic job for the team last season…” Veitch said. “[She earned] the team’s first ever All-American Award. I am certain that Michelle will continue to be a strong leader on the lanes.”

The Green Wave is focused on the tournament ahead of it, but there is an added excitement looking towards the end of the season. Tulane will be hosting both the NCAA Championship and the United States Bowling Congress Collegiate Championship tournaments in April.

“This is an amazing opportunity not only for Tulane bowling but also the athletic department,” Veitch said. “It obviously gives us an added incentive to be able to make it to one of the national championships.”

Though the Tulane bowling program has only been present for five years, the team has high aspirations for the coming seasons.

“The long-term goal I have for the program is to make it to a national championship,” Veitch said. “It is an atmosphere unlike anything the ladies will encounter during the season, so I am excited that they will be able to witness it and hopefully compete in it.”