UP THEIR ALLEY

Bryant University has the only Division 1 Bowling Team in Rhode Island

What role does social media play in recruiting college athletes? More than you might think. Women’s bowling is one of the newest sports programs to come to Bryant University and the only Division 1 team in Rhode Island. This year was the inaugural season for the all-freshmen squad, which saw the rookie Bulldog Bowlers compete against more experienced teams.

Bowling at Bryant evolved from a club sport to a Division 1 program in 2022. With all new players filling the roster, coach Morgan Walsh had a rare opportunity to build a team from the ground up. Equally important for the rookie bowlers, the group had an opportunity to define its identity as a team. “Bryant added women’s rowing, women’s golf, and women’s bowling as an initiative to get more women on campus,” says Walsh. “The bowling team was made up of all first-year students.”

Despite its nationwide popularity, bowling is not a competitive sport on most college campuses in our region. “I relocated from Buffalo to take the position,” explains Walsh. “High school bowling in New York is pretty popular. Coming here to New England and seeing that there was no high school bowling at all – that was a big change.”

Walsh began recruiting players from New York, New Jersey, and other areas where the sport is more popular. She spent a lot of time on social media, direct messaging potential players who were following established college programs. “Probably half of our current team came from Instagram. My number one priority was to build our Instagram following because kids are so involved in social media,” says Walsh.

LOU LOU’S DÉCOR

Make your beach house a home with a cozy & fun addition from Lou Lou’s Décor with locations in Tiverton & Newport. Full interior design services available. 3913 Main Road • (401) 816 4362 loulousdecor.com • @loulousdecor

COURTYARDS

Celebrating 41 years in Tiverton 4 Corners! Courtyards offers an ever changing collection of home & garden goods and gifts, sure to entice everyone! 3980 Main Road • (401) 624 8682 • courtyardsltd.com

Barksfield Shop

The captivating destination for ecofriendly artisan gifts, antiques & refurbished furniture. Enjoy beautiful grounds with ample parking; entrance at back of building. Open TH-SAT 10-5, SUN 12-5. Shop online at barksfeld.com

Milukas Studio

Art sessions offered for all levels, weekly classes & private lessons. Check website for events. Kelly Milukas is a multi-media painter and sculptor. 503 S Lake Rd, Tiverton • (401) 480 3536 kellymilukas.com/events • @kellymilukas

The Cottage At Four Corners

Featuring fne home furnishings, quality gift items and linen to live in, lush pillows, beautiful rugs, lighting, fabulous bed linens & amazing artifcial fowers. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm & Sun 11am-4pm

3847 Main Road • (401) 625 5814 @thecottageri

3988 Main Road • (202) 423-3106 @barksfeld

Tiffany Peay

JEWELRY & HEALING ARTS

Explore the one-of-a-kind gemstone, pearl and gold jewelry handmade by Tiffany Peay. Also featuring Crystal Bed Light Therapy and the artwork of Peter Dickison. 3851 Main Road • (401) 816 0878 tiffanypeay.com • @tiffanypeayjewelry Open Daily

Four Corners Gallery

Collections of painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography & jewelry. Stop in and discover our artists and the new work!

Hours: Monday-Friday & Sunday 11am-4pm Saturday 9:30am - 5pm Open Daily 3848 Main Road fourcornersgalleryri.com • @fourcornersgalleryri

Studio By The Sea

I transform your ideas into heirlooms! Internationally sourced Royal Blue Sapphire set with diamond components from an older family ring. What can Peter Tirpaeck, master jeweler create for you?

3848 Main Road • (401) 639 4348 www.studiobytheseari.com

@studio_by_the_sea

The Cheese Wheel Village Market

Over 200 cheeses, local meats & produce; house-made bread, sandwiches, soups & spread and meals. Custom charcuterie & cheese boards available. Call to order! Open 9-5 Tues-Sunday 3838 Main Road • (401) 816 5069 @thecheesewheelri

ASHLEY AINSWORTH ART & CEDIAN PAINTING

Working studios of Ashley Ainsworth & Jennifer Jones Rashleigh featuring fne art paintings, prints, pillows, tiles & notecards. ashley-ainsworth.com cedianpainting.com • 3848 Main Rd

With Walsh’s contagious enthusiasm for a bright future ahead at Bryant, the team came together quickly. “It was a very unique situation; they got to start the program from the ground up, which is something that very few individuals get to do,” explains Walsh. “There was a lot of conversation on what they wanted the program to look like. They really bought into the idea that it was theirs to create and mold. There was a lot of open communication, and a lot of trial and error, too. When you’re on more established teams, that opportunity isn’t always available.”

With only four schools in New England offering varsity level programs, the “bowldogs,” as they are affectionately known, travel a lot. “We livestream most of our events and some of the kids on the other Bryant teams support us by watching,” adds Walsh. The team expects to host its first tournament in 2024. Our kids train just as hard as other Division 1 athletes. They put in many hours on the lanes.” Learn more at BryantBulldogs.com

Let’s Go!

For sports fans, nothing beats the thrill of watching college teams compete. Here are five good reasons to buy tickets to games this season.

SCHOOL: Brown University

TEAM: Brown Bears

BEST BET: Football

WHY: Even non-fans can’t help but enjoy themselves watching Ivy League teams toss the pigskin on a sunny fall afternoon.

BROWN STADIUM

400 Elmgro v e Avenue, Pro v idence BrownBears.com

SCHOOL: Bryant University

TEAM: Bryant Bulldogs

BEST BET: Football

WHY: The Bulldogs are hungry as the team embarks on its second season in the Big South/Ohio Valley Conference.

BEIRNE STADIUM

1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield BryantBulldogs.com

SCHOOL: Providence College

TEAM: Providence Friars

BEST BET: Men’s Soccer

WHY: Behind coach Craig Stewart, the talented team has high hopes of making the NCAA tournament this year.

ANDERSON STADIUM

1 Cunningham Square, Pro v idence Friars.com

SCHOOL: Rhode Island College

TEAM: RIC Anchorwomen

BEST BET: Women’s Soccer

WHY: With a can-do attitude, the Anchorwomen look to rebound after a frustrating 2022 season.

600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Pro v idence GoAnchormen.com

SCHOOL: University of Rhode Island

TEAM: URI Rams

BEST BET: Football

WHY: On the heels of two winning seasons, hopes are high for a league championship.

MEADE STADIUM

3 Keaney Road, Kingston GoRhody.com