CALDWELL, N.J.­- The Caldwell University women's bowling team kick off their 2017-18 season this weekend at the Bud Whitman Classic hosted by Kutztown University. The Cougars were ranked seventh by the National Tenpin Coaches Association in their 2017-18 DII/DIII Preseason Coaches Poll.
 
The Cougars, under the direction of fourth year Head Coach Ken Yokobosky, look to build their success from last season as they reached the Northeast Conference Championships for a second straight season. Caldwell posted a 49-53 record during last season and finished 5-13 in the NEC to secure the #6 seed in the championships. Despite falling in their first match 4.5-1.5 to #3 St. Francis College Brooklyn, the Cougars earned wins over #4 Saint Francis University (Pa.) and #5 LIU Brooklyn to advance to their first-ever NEC Championships Final Four. Caldwell also garnered the NEC Winter Sportsmanship Award for a second straight season.
 
Juniors Jamie Lee Kulaga (West Hazelton, Pa.) turned in a 176.05 average in 2016-17, while senior Daniele Roca (Garden City Park, N.Y.) posted a 175.1 average. Junior Amanda Scharf (North Brunswick, N.J.) averaged a 174.61, while junior Madison Miller (West Deptford, N.J.) posted an average of 156.22. Junior Lillianna Sigona (Haskell, N.J.) finished with an average of 147.8 last season.