NEW CASTLE, Del. — Vanderbilt concluded a disappointing Northeast Classic tournament Sunday by losing two of its three matches to finish the 34-team event in eighth place.
“We were better today, closer to how we played Friday and we competed better,” head coach John Williamson said. “In that light it was a decent way to end the weekend. We have things we need to clean up and we have to learn to get comfortable being uncomfortable if we are to meet our goals. We were not comfortable this weekend and it was apparent.”
The Commodores began the day routing Stephen F. Austin in a best-of-seven Baker matchup of the seventh and eighth seeds. A rotation of Haley Lindley, Amanda Naujokas, Caroline Thesier, Victoria Varano and Paige Peters posted glossy scores of 256-252-225 and 221 in topping the Jacks 4-1.
From there it was on to Tulane with Alyssa Ballard entering for Thesier and the rotation changing slightly as a result. Vandy led 2-1 before the Green Wave stormed back with scores of 223 and 240 to lead 3-2. The Commodores evened it behind a 256 effort, but the higher seeded Wave had the all-important lane choice and took the more friendly left side, which helped produce a 243-191 decision.
The setback dropped Vandy into the 7-8 slot and a quick rematch with Stephen F. Austin. In collegiate bowling rematches, the hunter often becomes the hunted and that was certainly case with this contest. The Ladyjacks became a striking machine, averaging 229 to sweep the match 4-0. Vanderbilt produced respectable totals of 233-190-201 and 227 but none were enough to capture a game.
The Dores experimented a bit with their order in the third game, leading off with Naujokas and putting Lindley in the 4-hole for the first time this season.
Paige Peters was named to the all-tournament team for the second straight event, based upon her third place individual finish Saturday.
Vanderbilt ended the tournament with a 9-4 record and hopes to regroup heading into next weekend’s Prairie View Invitational, known for attracting many of the nation’s top ranked teams.
