Oct. 24, 2007
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt’s bowling team will begin its 2007-08 season two weeks earlier than originally planned after accepting an invitation to compete at the Central Region Fall Jamboree, a round-robin event hosted by Arkansas State this weekend.
The Commodores, national champions a year ago, had originally planned to open their season at the Cheeseland Invitational in Whitewater, Wis., November 9.
“The Jamboree had a team give late notice that it was unable to attend ,” Vanderbilt Coach John Williamson said. “It made sense to accept this opportunity for several reasons. In the past, we’ve met Alabama A&M for an early dual, so this fits well.”
Williamson said the team has been practicing about a month and is eager for competition.
“We are anxious to bowl,” said the 2007 National Coach of the Year. “It will be the first chance for our three freshmen to get some collegiate experience. We would expect to get everyone on the lanes at some point in the weekend.”
Those freshmen – Brittany Garcia, Ellen Morrison, and Amanda Halter – have all looked strong in early action and give this year’s team even more options than a year ago.
Vanderbilt will travel with eight bowlers: juniors Michelle Peloquin, Karen Grygiel and Kaitlin Reynolds, sophomores Josie Earnest and Ashley Belden along with the freshmen. Junior Tara Kane, normally among the travel party, will not make this early trip.
The field in Jonesboro includes traditional powers Central Missouri State, Arkansas State, Alabama A&M, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and Grambling.
The event will include five total pin duals and five Baker games over Saturday and Sunday.