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4/14/2006 HOUSTON–Vanderbilt’s Cinderella bowling season came to an end Friday with its second defeat in three games at the NCAA Bowling Championship. The Commodores, competing with the youngest team in the field, were officially credited with finishing in a fifth place tie in just their second year of existence. Vanderbilt had downed third seed Central Missouri State in the first game of the day before losing a best of seven battle with Farleigh Dickinson, four games to three. In the next game, one which would have clinched at least a fourth place finish, the ‘Dores struggled and lost to surprising New Jersey City College, the meet’s eighth seed. “With a young lineup we showed a lot of character but it was a learning experience for us,” said Coach John Williamson. “We performed pretty well in the morning games, especially against Central Missouri. We were able to carry momentum from game to game and put enough pressure on them to force some errors. In the FDU game we did well but we didn’t get the breaks we needed; I thought we showed resiliency to force that seventh game. After the mid-day break we never got back on track. There were some nerves involved and it was the first time we were in a loser-goes-home situation.” “This was an amazing experience,” Mandy Keily agreed 30 minutes after the final match. “I’m still really emotional and it is hard to describe why. I’ve bowled competitively my entire life and I have never been involved in anything as intense as this. The energy in those games was absolutely incredible. We are already excited about getting back to work and coming back here next year. This was the first time for all of us and it was a learning experience.” “We made a statement this year,” said a disappointed Michelle Peloquin. “It would have been better a better statement if we could have finished higher than fifth but for a new program there is nothing wrong with fifth — this year. I give credit to New Jersey City for making the big shots when they needed them. They struck out in the 10th to beat us by two pins in one of the games.” Vanderbilt’s victory over defending national runner-up Central Missouri State in the opening round came in a thrilling, come-from-behind fashion. With chants and cheers reverberating throughout the Emerald Lanes, the Commodores won their first game in the best of seven set, 203-194. The Jennies bounced back by rolling 237 and 251 scores to take the lead. The Black and Gold came back in game four to win handily, 194-147, to set up one of the day’s most intense battles. The lead switched back and forth throughout game five with neither team able to break away. It came down to the last ball in the tenth frame with the score tied. Commodore anchor Peloquin rolled first, her ball knocking down nine pins. The Central Missouri anchor, a member of Team USA, took her turn and when two pins were left standing Vanderbilt had a thrilling 204-203 win and 3-2 advantage. That victory turned the momentum around and six-seeded Vanderbilt cruised to the decisive fourth win, 201-156, to secure the upset. Second-seeded Farleigh Dickinson, a perennial northeastern bowling power, was the next opponent. This contest went the full seven games, even though the Commodores seemed to lose their edge and couldn’t manage better than a 181 in the first three games. Vanderbilt was trailing three games to one before rallying once again. Vanderbilt won games five (193-160) and game six (200-181) to set game seven. FDU was able to string a long series of strikes together to win 237-190 and advance in the winner’s bracket, dropping the ‘Dores dropped into the loser’s bracket. Freshman Kaitlin Reynolds put the morning rounds in perspective. “I was proud of our team and proud of how we did,” said the Loves Park, Ill., product. We all pulled together and worked well as a unit, which is so important in baker games. I thought Michelle deserved the credit in the first game for her great performance in the 10th frame. The FDU game could have gone either way but we came back and made it a good match.” Farleigh Dickinson advanced unbeaten into the championship match by beating Alabama A & M, who will face defending champion Nebraska in the semi-final match. The Huskers topped New Jersey City to reach the semis. ESPN will televise some semi-final and the championship match on a delayed basis Sunday at 2:00 Central. Vanderbilt’s Friday Baker Game Results Central Missouri State (VU 4-2) VU 203 CMSU — 194 Farleigh Dickinson (FDU 4-3) FDU 182 VU 160 New Jersey City (NJC 4-0) NJC 189 VU 174 |
