Nov. 20, 2008
MILLSBORO, Del. – Will Vanderbilt’s bowling team be able to make it a three-peat at this weekend’s Hawk Classic?
That is the main story line as the Commodores once again challenge a primarily Northeastern field hosted by Maryland-Eastern Shore. It would be hard to blame the No. 2 rated ‘Dores for not being excited at the opportunity.
The Black and Gold are coming off a team championship earlier this month at Fairleigh Dickinson’s tournament and they have won back-to-back titles on these same Millsboro Lanes.
Two years ago, a sophomore-dominated VU team won the program’s first championship trophy behind Tara Kane’s third-place performance. Last year the Commodores dominated the event, winning by 429 total pins with Karen Grygiel earning MVP honors, Josie Earnest finishing fourth and Michelle Peloquin seventh.
That will be a faded memory Friday noon when 20 teams begin the first of six, 5-game Baker matches. Saturday’s play will be six traditional team games after which the field earns a seed and plays a best four-of-seven bracket series for the championship.
“This tournament format will be very similar to what we saw at FDU,” says Coach John Williamson. “Our mindset remains the same; we’re looking for consistency and a good focus.”
After the team’s strong opening tournament, the Commodores will take the same six bowlers – seniors Michelle Peloquin and Tara Kane, junior Josie Earnest, sophomores Brittany Garcia and Amanda Halter and freshman Brittni Hamilton.
Participating programs include Adelphi, Bethune-Cookman, Bowie State, Cheyney, Delaware State, Elizabeth City, FDU, Hampton, Howard, Kutztown, Long Island, Maryland-Eastern Shore, Morgan State, New Jersey City, North Carolina Central, Sacred Heart, Saint Francis, St. Paul’s and Vanderbilt.
