March 12, 2009
SMRYNA, Tenn. – The top-ranked Vanderbilt women’s bowling team will host 23 teams this weekend for the 5th annual Columbia 300 Music City Classic. The field includes some of the nation’s best teams, including the defending tournament champion Central Missouri and nine of the nation’s top-10 teams. The ‘Dores look to take the team title this weekend after falling to Central Missouri last year in a thrilling finish, as they edged the ‘Dores by two pins.
The Music City Classic will get underway Friday at the Smyrna Bowling Center with the start of six (four game) baker matches. On Saturday, all teams will compete in six traditional team games, leading up to the final day where the total pins on the first two days will seed the bracket for Sunday. The tournament will conclude with a three-round best four-of-seven baker bracket to decide the tournament championship.
The top-ranked Commodores are coming off a second place finish at the Holiday Classic in Bessemer, Ala. The Black and Gold were once again led by junior All-American Josie Earnest as she claimed the individual championship.
The Columbia 300 Music City Classic will mark the final home match for seniors Karen Grygiel, Tara Kane, Michelle Peoquin and Kaitlin Reynolds. The four seniors will be honored and recognized for their four-year of hard work during the final day of the tournament.
2009 Columbia 300 Music City Classic field (Region)
New Jersey City (NE), Delaware State (NE), Morgan State (NE), Norfolk State (NE), Hampton (NE), Farleigh Dickinson (NE), Kutztown (NE), Sacred Heart (NE), Adelphi (NE), Saint Francis (NE), Saint Peter’s (NE), Nebraska (CE), Arkansas State (CE), Central Missouri (CE), Minnesota State-Mankato (CE), Grand Canyon (CE), Florida A&M (CE), Alabama A&M (CE), Southern (CE), Jackson State (CE), Winston Salem State (CE), North Carolina A&T (CE), Vanderbilt (CE)
NE – North East Region
CE – Central Region
Teams Competing (Ranking)
Vanderbilt (1)
Nebraska (2)
Farleigh Dickinson (3)
Delaware State (4)
Arkansas State (6)
New Jersey City (7)
Central Missouri (8)
Sacred Heart (9)
Alabama A&M (10)
Kutztown (11)
Minnesota State-Mankato (12)
Southern (13)
Morgan State (14)
Adelphi (16)
Saint Francis (18)
Jackson State (20)