BEAVER TOWNSHIP — Since taking over the Youngstown State bowling program after completion of their 2018 fall schedule, head coach Doug Kuberski has built the Penguins’ program into one of the most formidable on the Division I level.

His recruitment of many of the top bowlers in the nation has resulted in four straight NCAA tournament appearances, three Elite Eight qualifiers, two trips to the Final Four and a third-place national finish a season ago.

A two-time Division I and Southland Conference Coach of the Year honoree, Kuberski has guided YSU to five consecutive top-10 end-of-season rankings in the National Tenpin Coaches Association Top-25 Poll, while the team’s cumulative grade point average in each of his five full seasons has been one of the best in the country, including the top mark in 2022-23 and a second-place finish in 2021-22.

He told the Curbstone Coaches during Monday’s meeting at Avion Banquet Center that all six of his teams have been unique, with the ultimate prize — a national championship, well within their grasp.

“Each season, when you face adversity together and not only overcome it but thrive through it, you build a stronger culture while growing closer as a group,” Kuberski said. “You have those things to draw upon in tough moments and it enables you to stay cool and calm. Every season takes on its own story. This fall, we got off to a bit of a slow start but even through that you could tell the ingredients were there. Winning the Garden State Classic to end the fall semester validated our belief that we have what it takes to win.

“We have carried that over into the spring, finishing second in the biggest field of the season in Delaware and continue to put ourselves in contention and battle hard from match No. 1 to match No. 13 each event. We posted one of our best performances of the season Feb. 14-16 in Arkansas, and I know we are excited to continue our season’s story. We have been fortunate that amazing student-athletes have taken a chance on our program and helped build the culture. Plus, the people in and around the University, from our athletics administration, to campus administration, to the Youngstown community, they all empower our program in many ways.”

Of the nine bowlers dotting this year’s roster, seven are juniors or older, with one junior, four seniors and two graduate students joining a freshman and a sophomore that have posted a 75-29 mark thus far.

“Each player has taken on a leadership role in their own individual way,” Kuberski said. “They have all been through a lot together and that enables them to communicate with each other, to challenge one another and to communicate with and challenge me as well. When you have that level of familiarity and respect, it opens up communication and enables the togetherness to reach new heights.”

The junior is Hannah Miller (Canton), while Jade Cote (Farnham, Quebec, Canada), Madison Doseck (Wapakoneta), Ellie Drescher (Keller, Texas) and Lyndsay Ennis (Conway, South Carolina) are seniors. Madyson Marx (Maplewood, Minnesota) and Kirsten Moore (Tallmadge) are graduate students, while Amanda Granata (Florham Park, New Jersey) is the sophomore and Kara Beissel (Ormond Beach, Florida) the lone freshman.

“Hannah [Miller] has elevated her game across the board and is a very dangerous player,” Kuberski said. “Jade [Cote] is harnessing versatility at high levels, learning when and how to deploy her different releases and tricks, while Madison [Doseck] is one of the most powerful players who has learned touch and has grown confident in her versatility. She can play multiple angles with multiple releases and has elevated her spare game across the board.

“Ellie [Drescher] brings great energy to the table. Her shot-making and spare-shooting have set the tone for us in a number of matches this season. Lyndsay [Ennis] has incredible energy and no matter which role she plays, she brings passion and energy and empowers us all. In big moments, she has stepped up time and time again and made great shots. Madyson [Marx] has emerged as a very consistent player — a rock who has learned how to score when she doesn’t have her best stuff. When she does, she can create some special shapes and put a bunch of strikes on the board.

“Kirsten [Moore] is a very steady presence and has shown she can play multiple roles across the line-up. She stays cool, calm and has emerged as a great communicator on the lanes. Amanda [Granata] has been consistent with her shot-making and spare-shooting, stepping up in some big moments and I am looking forward to seeing her progression on and off the lanes, while Kara [Beissel] has hit the ground running as a freshman and has really found her stride this semester. She has made big shots in big moments. You can see her getting more comfortable and this is just the beginning.”

The team is currently 45-26 versus ranked opponents with the goal to get back to the Final Four.

YSU’s next match is March 14-16 when it travels to Smyrna, Tennessee to compete in the Vanderbilt University Music City Classic.

“We have a lot of respect for all the teams out there and don’t take anyone lightly,” Kuberski said. “We know heading into each match that it is going to be a battle so staying focused on our process and our work, while enjoying the time out there competing is key. We stay locked into those things and let the other stuff take care of itself. Every shot, every adjustment matters and we enjoy working on the puzzle together.

“Being playful out there and enjoying our time together is the key. The pins tend to know when you are loose and having fun and if we stay calm, cool and together then we can do it.”

Next Monday, Youngstown Phantoms head coach Ryan Ward will serve as guest speaker.