Nov. 8, 2012
Change of Plans: Vanderbilt’s original schedule called for the Commodores to open tournament play at Fairleigh Dickinson’s Invitational Nov. 2-4. Then came Superstorm Sandy and when it became apparent that traveling to New Jersey was unwise if not impossible, arrangements were quickly made to attend Valparaiso’s Crusader Classic. The FDU event was cancelled, by the way.
A Central Feel: The Crusader Classic has attracted a field of strong Central Division programs, including Central Missouri, Arkansas State and Nebraska along with Cheyney State, Elmhurst, Prairie View, Salem, Wisconsin-Whitewater and host Valparaiso. This will mark VU’s first appearance at this event.
Tourney Format: Friday competition begins at 10:05 a.m. with five sets of five-game Bakers using total pin fall. Saturday’s action starts at 9:30 a.m. with five traditional team games and Sunday’s championship bracket starts at 8:30 a.m. with best four-of-seven Bakers.
Watch on USTREAM: Fans looking to follow the Commodores this weekend may do so via USTREAM. All of the action will be streamed live on the team’s USTREAM channel. 
WATCH
Travel Squad: Ten Commodores will make the trip: Jessica Earnest, Lauren Rhein, Sarah O’Brien, Kim Carper, Natalie Goodman, Nicole Mosesso, Robyn Renslow, Tori Ferris, Amanda Fry and Olivia Wirtz. The team departed early Thursday morning via sleeper bus.
Wirtz Update: Vanderbilt medical personnel have been closely monitoring Olivia Wirtz since discovering the freshman’s sore hip is result of a torn tendon that will require surgery next week. Wirtz has been practicing and might see action over the weekend as it has been determined she could bowl without further damage being done. She could qualify for a medical redshirt should she not see any more competition this school year.
O’Brien Update: Senior Sarah O’Brien is expected back in the Commodore lineup, at least on a limited basis, after sustaining a minor hip aggravation earlier this fall.
Coach Speak: “This tournament will give us a nice snapshot of where we are at this point in time,” said Coach John Williamson. “There are five teams here that made the NCAA Championship field although each of us has a different look than last year.”
