Bowlers seize Holiday lead

Feb. 23, 2013

BESSEMER, Ala. – Vanderbilt had its first unbeaten outing since the first day of the season and as it cruised past five opponents, it also jumped into first place at the Holiday Classic. The Commodores will carry the top seed into Sunday’s title bracket and will play second-seeded Arkansas State in the opening round.

“I felt we did a really good job after the first game,” Coach John Williamson said. “We averaged nearly 1,000 the last four games and we got something from everyone we put out there. Last night we challenged them to focus and finish the day with our purpose, which was to go 5-0 and regain the lead.”

Most of the Commodores quickly credited freshman Robyn Renslow, bowling in the anchor spot, with jump-starting the team’s day. The Californian started 245-222 but later lost some of her magic only to be picked up by the rest of the team.

“No doubt about it, Robyn really started strong,” said senior star Jessica Earnest. “Especially when you take into consideration she moved from the four spot to five, it says a lot about her versatility.”

Earnest, whose day was the reverse of Renslow’s in that she began slow and came on with four strong games in the lead-off spot, also pointed to performances by Nicole Mosesso and Amanda Fry.

Mosesso began her day with three opens in five frames but hung tough and closed with a 225.

“I give a lot of credit to Lauren (Rhein) for not letting me get discouraged after the first five games and it was a huge boost to have Robyn keep us in that first game. It’s a crazy game that requires teamwork and someone stepping up to be a leader.”

Fry sat out the opening win over Alabama State but once inserted into the No. 2 spot in the rotation, the lefty was outstanding. She went three and a half games before her first and only open.

“We were having fun out there,” she said. “I talked to Natalie (Goodman) a lot and she was a huge asset when it comes to keeping my mind strong and focused. Today was a lot of fun.”

Renslow mentioned as her day progressed she gradually lost her line and was happy that her teammates picked up any slack.

Williamson would not have disagreed with any of the analysis. He also pointed out Mosesso’s steady play, Earnest’s grit to come back like an All-American, Fry’s energy, Renslow’s dominant start and Goodman’s consistency.

Team Leaderboard
Vanderbilt (9-1) 8,788
Arkansas State (8-2) 8,744
Sam Houston (7-3) 8,138
Alabama A&M 7,950

VU 911 Alabama State 803

The Commodores had 13 opens but can thank Robyn Renslow’s 245 for forgiving some of the bowling sins. The California was dialed in the whole game, rattling off six of her eight strikes in succession at one point. Six of those opens were off split situations.

Earnest 157
Ferris 165
Mosesso 175
Goodman 169
Renslow 245

VU 1,009 Alabama A & M 853

Four Dores topped 200 and open frames shrank to five as Vanderbilt defeated the hosts by 156 pins. Jessica Earnest recovered from her tough first game with just one early open while Amanda Fry came in and registered a clean game. Renslow has not lost her touch.

Earnest 203
Fry 203
Mosesso 180
Goodman 201
Renslow 222

VU 1,043 Valparaiso 938

Amanda Fry was in the strike zone and the Commodores enjoyed their best balance on the day for a comfortable win over the Crusaders. The arms were swinging freely as one could see what this team is capable of producing when the game is fun.

Earnest 197
Fry 246
Mosesso 192
Goodman 197
Renslow 211

VU 971 UAB 783

A long game with not a lot of strikes. Nice balance through Vandy’s top four but Renslow cooled off with three surprising trips to splitsville.

Earnest 199>br> Fry 219
Mosesso 202
Goodman 193
Renslow 164

VU 1,008 Sam Houston State 874

It was another strong and balanced performance. For the fourth straight game the Commodores had just five open frames, including the first one in four games by Amanda Fry. Nicole Mosesso finished with her best score of the day, a 225 that included striking out in the 10th.

Earnest 208
Fry 191
Mosesso 225
Goodman 195
Renslow 189