NEW CASTLE, Del. — The LIU bowling team had a resounding start to its season at the Bud Whitman Memorial.

The Sharks went 4-0 during traditional matches on Saturday at Bowlerama, with top-individual bowler Charlize Wanner (219.2 average) named the MVP and teammate Sarah Orensky (194.4) also earning all-tournament honors.

Then, during Baker play on Sunday, LIU topped Delaware State for first place, 4-3 in the best-of-seven finals.

The final round was decided by one pin, 193-192, after Wanner converted three straight strikes in the final frame.

"I am super proud of the way that everyone bowled this weekend," Wanner said. "We had some rough patches here and there, but we were able to come together as a team and pull out this win. Everyone was together each shot and fought until the very end. The title match down to the final ball to win by one pin, and this is because of the energy we had as a team. This is only the beginning for us. I'm excited to see what's in store for us this year."

The Sharks next compete at Sacred Heart's Bowl for the Cure in East Haven, Conn., next weekend.