NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Vanderbilt bowling team garnered recognition Monday from the National Tenpin Coaches Association as the Commodores were ranked second in the NTCA’s preseason poll.
Vandy racked up 1717 points and 14 first-place votes in the poll. McKendree (Ill.) University was picked as the preseason favorites.
The Commodores last competed March 6-8 at the Music City Classic in Smyrna. The remainder of their 2019-20 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After winning three tournaments during the 2019-20 campaign and finishing as the national runner-up in 2018-19, Vanderbilt and head coach John Williamson return seniors Samantha Gainor and Lauren Potechin for 2020-21 as well as junior Angelique Dalesandro, sophomores Mabel Cummins and Amelia Kiefer and four newcomers.
Fellow Southland Bowling League members Arkansas State is ranked third in the NTCA preseason poll while Sam Houston State is ranked fifth.
Voting is conducted by NCAA head coaches who are members of the NTCA. Coaches ranked their selections from one through 25 with 40 points awarded to the No. 1 team, 37 to second, 35 to third and so on.
