WHITEWATER, Wis. — The Lincoln Memorial University women’s bowling team is ranked No. 17 in the final National Tenpin Coaches Association poll of the 2017-18 campaign and No. 3 in the final DII/DIII poll, it was announced by NTCA officials. It marks the highest final national rankings in both polls in the program’s brief two-season history.

The Lady Railsplitters completed their remarkable 2017-18 season with a 72-52 overall record, marking a 31-win improvement from the inaugural 2016-17 campaign. Lincoln Memorial won the first East Coast Conference title in program history and made the program’s first-ever appearance in the National Collegiate Women’s Bowling Championship, where they were defeated by No. 3 Nebraska and No. 5 Sam Houston State in nail-biting matches. The Lady Railsplitters went 25-7 over their last 32 matches, which included a sensational 10-3 mark in postseason play.

In the final DII/DIII poll, Lincoln Memorial was ranked behind only national runners-up McKendree and fellow East Coast Conference foe Adelphi, who the Lady Railsplitters defeated on their way to the conference tournament title.

The Lady Railsplitters notched six wins against teams ranked in the top 10 of the final NTCA poll, including two over national champions and No. 1 Vanderbilt. Lincoln Memorial also picked up wins over No. 2 McKendree, No. 4 Arkansas State, No. 6 Stephen F. Austin and No. 8 Maryland Eastern Shore.

The women’s bowling team was recognized as the Female Team of the Year at the third-annual Lincoln Awards on Monday night.