ROCKFORD, Ill. – Roosevelt bowling had a strong start to its season by qualifying for bracket play at the Hammer Golden Eagle Invite over the weekend in Rockford, Ill.

It was a slow start for the Lakers, who had three freshmen in their lineup for the first tournament of the season. Roosevelt bowled an 877 in its first game of Saturday's team portion, but steadily improved and finished the day in 14^th place after bowling a 996 in the fifth and final game. Joseph Diaz led the Lakers with an average score of 211, followed closely by Troy Welker and KJ Miller, who averaged 186 and 183, respectively.

The Lakers made an early move in Sunday's Baker rounds with an 837 in the first four-game block of the day to rise up to 12^th place. After shooting an 806 and 802 in the next two blocks, the Lakers found themselves on the cut line for bracket play in eighth place. Roosevelt bowled a 786 in the final four-game block, which was enough to keep them above the line and into the bracket as the No. 8 seed.

Unfortunately, Roosevelt ran into eventual team champion St. Ambrose in the first round, and the top seed eliminated the Lakers.

UP NEXT: The Lakers are off for the month of October before returning to the lanes on Nov. 8 and 9 back in Rockford at the Leatherneck Classic.