Oct. 22, 2011
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A powerful mixture of youth and experience helped Vanderbilt’s bowling team get off to a perfect start in its season Saturday at the Alabama A & M Tri-Meet.
The Commodores cruised by the host Bulldogs along with Alabama State and NCAA bowling newcomer Alabama-Birmingham while playing all 10 members of their travel party.
Vanderbilt’s Brittni Hamilton averaged 229 to capture individual honors but collegiate newcomers Natalie Goodman and Nicole Chanin both debuted with games of 200 or above.
“It was a real good performance, especially after the first two games when I thought we were too anxious,” said Coach John Williamson. “We had very few errors after we made a few adjustments. We wanted to be sure everyone on the trip played and we accomplished that goal. Brittni’s strike percentage was very high and I thought Sam (Hesley) was strong in the Bakers.”
Hamilton had games of 247-216-226 from her lead-off spot. Goodman, the former Illinois state champion, had a nifty 223 in her opportunity and Chanin, a New Jersey champion, came in at 200 in Game 3.
The semi-final Baker game saw a Vanderbilt lineup of Hamilton, Goodman, Nicole Mosesso and Kim Carper, Earnest and Hesley. Mosesso has been slowed by a sore back and came out in the fourth frame.
The championship lineup was rock solid with Hamilton, Goodman, Kim Carper (who had a 225 against UAB), Earnest and Hesley.
The first NTCA poll is expected to be announced in the next day or two. The Commodores first tournament action comes Nov. 4 at the Fairleigh Dickinson Jamboree.
Vanderbilt 970, Alabama A & M 948
Brittni Hamilton 247
Sarah O’Brien 146
Nicole Mosesso 175
Jessica Earnest 200
Samantha Hesley 202
Vanderbilt 960, Alabama State 850
Hamilton 216
Courtney Morgan 155
Natalie Goodman 223
Earnest 194
Hesley 172
Vanderbilt 1,046, Alabama-Birmingham 733
Hamilton 226
Liz Saffold 170
Kim Carper 225
Nicole Chanin 200
Hesley 225
4-Game Baker Championship Bracket
Vanderbilt 790, UAB 632
VU 202-149
VU 162-160
VU 213-161
VU 213-162
Vanderbilt 899, Alabama A & M 792
VU 244-176
A&M 215-212
VU 218-195
VU 225-204
