March 10, 2008

N. BRUNSWICK, NJ - The SHU women's bowling team brought home its first tournament title this season with a convincing 4-1 win over Adelphi University in the final match of the ECAC Championship Tournament on Sunday. This is the team's first tournament victory since the Southern Classic in January 2005.

The Pioneers started the day in second place in total pinfall 39 pins behind New Jersey City University. They had three four-game baker matches to make up the deficit and grab the top seed. After an up-and-down start in the first match, the team lost 23 pins to NJCU and defeated Cheyney 743-387 with games of 168, 202, 159 and 214.

In match two, the Pioneers struggled while the usual starters had trouble consistantly throwing the ball; resulting in a loss against St. Peter's 658-775. Scores were higher in the last match of qualifying against Fairleigh Dickinson but still not up to par (140-191-159-213) which handed the Pioneers their second loss of the weekend 703-790. This dropped the team to third in total pinfall while FDU jumped into first.

As the #3 seed, SHU played #2 New Jersey City in round one of the best-of-7 baker bracket. The Pioneers pulled things together at the right time. Both teams played well taking turns with wins -- 196-190 SHU, 193-214 NJCU, 183-209 NJCU, 180-169 SHU -- to be tied 2-2. NJCU outbowled the Pioneers 174-204 to take a 3-1 lead. In game 6, SHU struck out from the 9th to narrowly win 203-197 to take the match to game 7. A 183-165 win put the Pioneers in the championship match.

In the final match, SHU won the first game 190-165 and game two 189-175 before dropping game three 152-212; leaving the match at 2-1. The Pioneers increased their lead to 3-1 after a 200-184 victory in the fourth game. The Pioneers proved they wanted to take home the championship by throwing 7 out of 10 strikes for a convincing 257-145 victory.

"This weekend helped us all believe that we can win even when things are not going our way," said head coach Becky Kregling. "After a great showing Saturday, everyone on the team dealt with physical game challenges but all dug down deep to get us to where we needed to be by the end of the day."

"This is a great way to go into the Music City Classic," she continued. "There we will go up against the strongest competition we have seen all year - bowling at least five of the top ten teams in the country."

Sarah Pelletier was tournament MVP as the high individual scorer during the team games with 1037 (207.4 average). 2005 ECAC Singles Champion Amanda Lulu was named to the all-tournament team with her 202.6 average. Unfortunately, Amanda was unable to compete in the singles tournament this year. Since the team's flight from Alabama was cancelled last Sunday and she missed student teaching Monday, she had to fulfill her academic obligations Friday but was able to compete in the team portion over the weekend.

The bowlers went 8-2 for the weekend bringing their season record to 81-21 (.794) which should help increase their chances of being selected to the National Championships to be held in Omaha.

The Pioneers regular season ends next weekend when they travel to Nashville, TN to compete in the Music City Classic hosted by defending National Champion Vanderbilt University.