Dec. 17, 2009
LAS VEGAS, Nev.—Sisters Josie and Jessica Earnest lead a quintet of Vanderbilt bowlers at the Team USA Trials after two days of competition.
The event attracts an elite field – just 55 women competing – from all corners of the sport from professional to a few high school stars. Vanderbilt connections comprise nearly one-tenth of the participants.
Two-time NCAA Player of the Year Josie Earnest was in 13th position after 18 games with a pin count of 3,720 (+120) to trail leader Amanda Falk of Tucson, Ariz. by 272 pins. Younger sister Jessica put on a tremendous surge in the last five games Tuesday (+232 pins in those games) and was in 19th with 3,658.
All-American Brittni Hamilton rose to 21st after a slow start Monday, just five pins behind Jessica Earnest while Kim Carper was 28th and Amanda Halter 35th.
“Conditions for this tournament are intentionally very difficult,” said Vanderbilt Coach John Williamson, on hand to observe. “Wednesday’s oil pattern will possibly be the hardest our people have experienced, extending 47 feet (a long college pattern is 43 feet). This could make it a grind-it-out-spare contest and our kids can fill frames.”
The top three finishers from the women’s and men’s divisions make the Team USA and two wild card members are chosen to finish out the squad. The competition ends Friday.
