HOUSTON – Freshman Maria Molina Diaz led the Southern University bowling team with an impressive top-20 finish as the Jaguars picked up their first win of the season on the second day of the Track Kat Klash, hosted by Sam Houston State at Emerald Bowl on Saturday.
 
Molina Diaz placed 18th overall with a total pinfall of 939 across five games, earning the distinction of being the highest-finishing Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) bowler in a field that featured four other conference programs.
 
Southern opened the day against No. 18 Maryland Eastern Shore, falling 925–758. Molina Diaz led the Jaguars with a 180 game, followed closely by Angel Stein with 177.
 
In their second match, the Jaguars faced another ranked opponent in No. 9 Louisiana Tech, dropping a competitive 1,016–882 contest. Molina Diaz continued her strong start with her first 200-plus game of the tournament, rolling a 209, while Darian Mobley added a 195 and Za'Viara Williams contributed a 170.
 
The Jaguars then met Alabama State, their first SWAC opponent of the day, falling 857–781 despite another standout effort from Molina Diaz, who rolled a 211 for her second straight game above 200. She closed the first three games with a 600 series.
 
Southern's toughest challenge came against No. 5 Wichita State, where the nationally ranked Shockers took a 1,077–734 victory.
 
The Jaguars ended the day on a high note, securing their first win of the season with a 760–748 victory over Jackson State. Molina Diaz bounced back with a 190 game, helping Southern edge their conference rival and finish the day with momentum heading into Sunday's finale.
 
Next Up
Southern wraps up the Track Kat Klash on Sunday with three Baker-format matches, opening against No. 8 Sam Houston and No. 7 North Carolina A&T before finishing the event with a bye round.

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