SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Mount Mercy was back in action over the weekend as the Mustang women finished 11th with 8,302 pins and the men 31st with 8,569 pins at the Blue & Gold Classic at Chippewa Bowl.

"The men worked hard all the way, working very well together with lane play," said Head Coach Glenn Healy. "The women are really learning what it takes to be a great team. Outstanding teamwork both days. Every set seemed to be better than the last."

Freshman Kendra Ballensky's 200.8 average over nine games was tops for the Mount Mercy women's squad and was good for 18th place overall. Freshman Bianca Curtis posted a 195 average in five games. Also competing for the Mustangs were freshman Samantha Smart (173.2/9 games), sophomore Naomi Fisher (188.6/7 games), sophomore Audrey Manternach (175.7/7 games), freshman Tessa Friason (183.7/6 games) and freshman Nichole Pochay (154.0/2 games).

Freshman Jeff McCann put together a nine-game average of 200, which put him in 63rd place. Senior Ryan Schlueter was right behind him in 65th with a 199.4 average, just five sticks shy of 200. Sophomore Ryan Miller (193.1/8 games), sophomore Nathan Wright (182.4/8 games), freshman Cody Taylor (179.8/8 games) and freshman Travis Smart (177.3/3 games) rounded out the Mount Mercy roster.

The Mustangs are off this weekend, but return to the lanes on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 2-3, at the McKendree (Ill.) Baker Challenge at St. Clair Bowl/Bel Air Bowl in Fairview Heights, Ill.