Jan. 4, 2012
LAS VEGAS – It was a productive day for Vanderbilt at the United Bowling Congress Team USA Trials with Commodore veterans Jessica Earnest and Brittni Hamilton leading Vanderbilt’s contingent.
It should be mentioned early that the format of this tournament is relatively unique. Instead of relying on total pin fall for composite placement, each contestant is assigned a number equivalent to her pin fall rank for that given day. After four days those four numbers will be averaged to determine final standings; this is in lieu of past tournaments in which some bowlers built insurmountable leads and removed much of the selection suspense.
Jessica Earnest, a varsity junior, began her day slow but finished powerfully to average 216.71 and was in 13th place for the day. Hamilton (215), who last year made both the Team USA and Junior Team USA squads, rebounded as expected and was in 19th place as the day ended.
“The lanes opened up for me after the first couple of games,” Jessica said afterward. “I changed balls and had a nice, loose arm swing and was able to string some big games together.”
Jessica likes the new point system and also her bowling partner this week.
“They paired bowlers alphabetically so I’m bowling with my sister Josie,” she said. “That’s a big plus because I get a good read from her ball. The point system helps bowlers who are consistent with every shot; one day will not make or break anyone. I feel I’m one of the more consistent players so this system is helpful. And I think it’s a good system because Team USA should value consistency, especially when we start international competition.”
Jessica said before the tournament that competitors were told “every day is a new tournament” and she thinks that is precisely how it feels each day.
Josie Earnest, who was ninth Tuesday, didn’t fare quite as well today but finished in 20th after closing with 269-266 scores to average of 214.86.
Kim Carper continued her good bowling although she dropped from a 10th place start into 34th position, certainly in contention to make the Junior Team. Just ahead of Carper Wednesday was Samantha Hesley, who got her groove back and jumped to 31st after averaging over 206 on the day.
Vanderbilt signee Amanda Fry (203.29) has also bowled well, using a 252 game to end in 37th place. Natalie Goodman, a Commodore freshman, rounded out the Vandy-related competitors in 62nd place.
The top three finishers get automatic bids for Team USA with two at-large spots also chosen. Junior Team USA operates in a similar fashion for those eligible for the team.
Complete results and live video are found on bowl.com.