Jan. 4, 2012
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Kim Carper and assistant coach Josie Earnest are in the top 10 after the first day of competition at the 2012 United States Bowling Congress Team USA Trials.
Carper, a junior on the varsity team, and Earnest, a former two-time NCAA Player of the Year, topped a large contingent of Vanderbilt-related bowlers at this elite national event. Carper was in 10th place after averaging 205.71 in seven games while Josie Earnest was in ninth after steady play put her average at 206.14.
Jessica Earnest, also on the Commodore varsity, was in 22nd position after averaging 197.43 and Vanderbilt signee Amanda Fry of Antelope, Calif., had a good day and is in 28th place (192.86). All-American senior Brittni Hamilton, a member of both Team USA and Junior Team USA, couldn’t quite get her high-powered game in high gear and is 38th heading into Wednesday’s play. Freshman Natalie Goodman (64th) and senior Samantha Hesley (76th) will need big efforts to get back in contention.
The top three finishers earn automatic spots on Team USA while a committee will determine two additional at-large positions. Positions on Junior Team USA are also on the line. The tournament runs through Friday.
Veteran Liz Johnson of Cheektowaga, N.Y., is in first place after a tremendous 220.43 average. Competition can be viewed on YouTube.com/BowlTV while complete results and extension coverage are available on bowl.com.