Mustangs hope to build on confidence from last season

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — As the Morningside men's bowling team opens its season this weekend in Lawrence, Kansas, the Mustangs are focused on starting strong.

After coming up just short of a national tournament berth last season, head coach Brett Hansen believes this year's group has what it takes to break through.

"The guys are looking a lot stronger than they have in years past," Hansen said. "Now we're able to raise our expectations — not just work hard every day, but set goals for where we need to be in each tournament."

The Mustangs reached the KCAC Tournament quarterfinals last spring and posted a season-best fourth-place finish at their home meet at Plaza Bowl in December.

Leading the way is Hunter Noteboom, who averaged 199 per game last season — 16 pins higher than the field across nine events. The sophomore notched four top-25 finishes, including three in the top 10.

Hansen said Noteboom's development was one of the most encouraging storylines of last season.

"Once he started trusting us and trusting his teammates, his scores just skyrocketed," Hansen said. "He understands now what's expected of him and where he needs to be every tournament."

Sandler Wiekamp, another sophomore, is expected to make a leap this season after earning one top-25 finish last year.

Like the women's team, Morningside will compete in three events in Lawrence before heading to Las Vegas in December for a midseason test against national competition.