Jan. 17, 2016
JONESBORO, AR—Vanderbilt got off to a good start Sunday but fell short in the semi-finals and finished the Mid-Winter Classic in fourth place.
The Commodores were coming off some hot games Saturday and seemed to have maintained the momentum, dispatching host Arkansas State in six games of the best-of-seven Baker format. In the process, both teams had registered high scoring games so there was reason for optimism heading into the semi-final with its nemesis, McKendree.
That hope was dashed by the Bearcats, who topped Vandy once again this season, this time by a 4-1 margin. In the parity-driven world that is today’s NCAA bowling, it might be a question for the mathematicians that one good team can beat another good team seven straight times but that’s been the book this year.
Vanderbilt fell into the consolation bracket, which produced a quick rematch with the No. 1 rated Red Wolves. With the wind sapped from its sails, the Commodores fell by another 4-1 margin.
“I thought everyone was bowling well in the first game,” Coach John Williamson said, “but nobody stood out in the last two games. We had chances but didn’t handle them well.”
Vandy used a similar lineup as yesterday with Tori Ferris and Jordan Newham alternating in the leadoff spot, followed by Olivia Wirtz, Kristin Quah, Giselle Poss and Robyn Renslow.
McKendree topped Sam Houston in the title game to win the championship.
The Commodores placed two on the all-tournament team based on their individual finishes yesterday; Quah, who was second and Poss, who placed fifth.
It will be a quick turn-around for Vandy, which travels to Reading, Pa., this weekend for the Kutztown Invitational.
