Nov. 2, 2017
Vanderbilt is in Houston for Sam Houston State’s Track Kat Klash, played Friday through Sunday at the Emerald Lanes, which hosted the 2006 NCAA Championship – the first time the Commodores qualified for the championship.
Tourney format: The first of five, 5-Game Baker games begin Friday morning at 10 a.m. (CDT). Saturday’s five team games start at 9:30 a.m. and the best-of-seven championship bracket Baker games commence Sunday at 8:15 a.m.
Competing teams (22): Arkansas State, Alabama A&M, Alabama State, Central Missouri, Delaware State, Grambling State, Jackson State, Louisiana Tech, Maryville, McKendree, Nebraska, North Carolina A&T, Prairie View A&M, Sam Houston, Southern, Stephen F. Austin, Texas Southern, Tulane, UAB, Maryland-Eastern Shore, Vanderbilt, Youngstown
About this tournament: Vanderbilt was fourth here a year ago with dominating individual performances from tournament MVP Kristin Quah and all-tournament representatives Maria Bulanova and Giselle Poss.
Following the tournament: The Commodores will stream live on its YouTube channel, offering viewers an excellent picture – assuming the Wi-Fi at the tournament venue is adequate. This is found on this link (and may require you do a quick sign up at no cost or obligation). Facebook and Twitter accounts @Vandy Bowling will carry score updates.
Travel squad capsules
Maria Bulanova: Vanderbilt’s All-American anchor bowler. Had some issues with splits at Brunswick Bearcat Open last week before finding her line and making the difference in many close games with dominating strike performances.
Samantha Gainor: Made her collegiate debut last weekend and performed like a veteran. Coaches weren’t sure how much she would bowl in her first college event and she never missed a frame. Bowled in the second and third spots in the rotation.
Jordan Newham: Found a good rhythm in Sunday’s Baker play games last weekend, helping push the Commodores to a third place finish by defeating three Top 7 ranked opponents.
Kristin Quah: Made the all-tournament team last weekend after placing sixth individually. Bowled in the fourth slot most of the tourney.
Emily Rigney: Bowled in the lead-off spot Sunday during Vandy’s strong finishing run.
Adel Wahner: Saw a lot of action during last Saturday’s team game play, usually in the second or third slot of the rotation.
No On-Site Practice: With four tournaments in four consecutive weeks, the Commodores took a late afternoon flight to Houston to minimize class absences. While they normally arrive earlier in the day to get in some work on the tournament lanes, missing the pre-tourney practice isn’t altogether unfamiliar. They did practice on their lanes in the Campus Rec Center before departing for the Nashville airport.
Last week: The Commodores went 9-3 and finished third at McKendree’s Brunswick Bearcat Open. Quah was sixth individually and was named to the all-tournament team.
