April 14, 2018
ST. LOUIS — In a drama-filled title game, Vanderbilt Bowling rallied from an early deficit to top McKendree four games to three and claim the 2018 NCAA Bowling Championship on Saturday night.
In a best-of-seven format, McKendree jumped out to a 3-2 lead and forced the Commodores to stage a comeback and claim two straight games and stave off a loss at Tropicana Lanes in St. Louis.
NCAA.com: Highlights from Vanderbilt’s win over McKendree
The Dores took Game 6 thanks in part to a clutch 10th frame from Maria Bulanova, extending the contest to a Game 7. There, Vanderbilt drilled four straight strikes to build a lead it wouldn’t relinquish.
The NCAA Championship is the second in Vanderbilt bowling history and second for head coach John Williamson. The title is the fourth national championship in Vanderbilt Athletics history.
ELLIS: Rigney, Stark power Vanderbilt to second national championship
THE ONLY WORDS: WE ARE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!! #DOmorebemoRE #anchordown pic.twitter.com/UPgdrFCcAB
— Vanderbilt Bowling (@VandyBowling) April 15, 2018
Proud to be a Commodore! Congratulations! #AnchorDown https://t.co/dvZmAl5Yw6
— Nick Zeppos (@Nick_Zeppos) April 15, 2018
NATIONAL.
CHAMPIONS.Congrats, @VandyBowling. ?? pic.twitter.com/8j23yqQ2sU
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) April 15, 2018
