Correspondent file photo / Robert Hayes Youngstown State’s Madison Doseck makes her approach during YSU’s Penguin Classic on Oct. 15, 2023. The Penguins are in the Final Four.

STRUTHERS — Just four remain.

The regional stage may have been where their season came to an end the last two seasons, but not this time. Youngstown State’s bowling program is back in the Final Four.

This marks the second time in program history that the Penguins have made it this far and the first trip since 2021.

The 2023-24 group has relied on its cohesion all season. A blend of personalities that’s paid dividends in every aspect, including on the lanes.

“I think just the comfortability with challenging each other is through the roof,” YSU coach Doug Kuberski said. “Willing to have tough conversations and just that baseline level of respect for each other and love for each other. I think they’ve also got a nice mix of personalities. There’s a lot of differences too, but the differences tend to work. They tend to go well together and complement each other.

“There’s levels of respect and love, and again, the time we’ve all spent together. We have a very experienced group too, and that definitely, that certainly helps. It’s been a progression over the years, and I think it’s definitely elevated to a great level this year.”

Three players from the 2021 Final Four run are back for the return. Madyson Marx, Kirsten Moore, Megan Grams are all back, and their experience is going to be crucial this weekend.

“Experience is everything,” Kuberski said. “It’s a big part of sports in general, and then of course the impact on the youngsters on the team and it really helps too. They’re all mentors to them as well, so that experience is definitely huge. It’s already been paying dividends this year, and we’re looking forward to bringing all that experience to draw upon this week.”

Since the program’s inception in 2016, the Penguins have steadily improved each season, and they’re hoping to make this season the apex.

But looking back, Kuberski is grateful that when he arrived to the program in December of 2018, there was already a solid base in place. None of the success they’re having now could have happened without those first few years.

“I definitely, definitely want to stress that every every bit matters in terms of our growth,” Kuberski said. “I know it’s cliche, but it does take a village. It’s been been a lot of people and a lot of things that have really contributed to our rise, starting with our initial head coach Chelsea Gilliam, and just our department that’s committed to its growth and our program’s growth over the years, the university and the community, everybody, all the pieces, have contributed to this rise and I was I was fortunate to have a nice foundation waiting for me when I arrived here.”

The Penguins have some familiarity in the bracket. All four qualifiers are members of Conference USA, in which YSU is an affiliate member for bowling.

Having experience with all three teams in the tournament, there is both a sense of comfort, but there’s some creeping nervousness involved as well.

“I think there’s a comfort aspect a little bit and then there’s also a little nervousness,” junior Madison Doseck said. “I feel like we know what they can do because we’ve seen all of them in conference play and we actually bowled (against) all three of the teams that we will be facing in the Final Four in conference play. I think we just need to remember that we’re all there for a reason, so anything can happen.”

YSU’s championship bid begins Friday with a matchup against Arkansas State. Start time is set for 9 a.m. at Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park, Mich. Should the Penguins advance, the championship round will be held Saturday.

This season has all been about simplicity, so Kuberski’s emphasis going into the weekend has been the same. Keep it simple, and don’t let the moment get too big.

“I think we just have to keep it simple,” Kuberski said. “I think we did a great job in Lansing of not letting the moments get too big and just really just keeping things simple and staying in the moment. I think if we just keep doing more of the same, we’re going to have a great shot to win. I think this group is so battle-tested and so strong, I think if we just stay cool and calm and keep things simple, we’re going to make a run.”

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