BUFFALO, N.Y. — The D'Youville women's bowling team enters the 2025-26 season with high expectations and plenty to prove after being voted seventh in the East Coast Conference (ECC) preseason coaches' poll. The Saints are looking to build off a strong showing at last year's ECC Championships, where they finished the first day seeded second before falling short in two tough matches on day two.

Head coach, Susan Jeziorski, returns five experienced bowlers to anchor the roster, while welcoming two newcomers who bring much-needed depth and skill in spare shooting. "Excited to see freshmen Hayden Cerrie, out of Dunkirk…phenomenal spare shooter," said the coach. "I think it's really going to help the team a lot—sometimes that's where we struggle a little bit. Same is Robin Jeziorski, my daughter, another great spare shooter. I've tried to fill in spare shooting, which I think is something we've lacked in the years previously."

While the program lost four players from last season, the returning group provides a strong core. Senior Megan Kapsiak and junior Summer Sega are expected to step into key leadership roles, while the other returners bring stability and competitiveness to the lineup. Megan Kapsiak looks to "try to make as many all-tournament teams as I can. I want try to make sure I am at least in the top 10. I really want to better my self and make sure I am hitting my mark every single shot I take. I also really want to make sure I am on the All-Tournament team at the end of ECC as it's my senior season and want to go out with a bang."

The Saints are eager to prove that their No. 7 preseason ranking is only motivation to surpass expectations. "Excited as we did lose four players but gained two new ones," the coach added. "My junior Megan Kapsiak and Summer Sega are going to look pretty good."

D'Youville opens its season on Saturday, October 4, at 10:30 a.m., looking to set the tone for a campaign fueled by experience, depth, and a renewed focus on consistency.