Jan. 6, 2012
LAS VEGAS – Josie Earnest, Vanderbilt’s assistant coach and former NCAA Player of the Year, earned a berth on the coveted Team USA roster Friday by finishing in third place in the overall standings at the USBC’s Team USA Trials.
While the complete teams have not been announced as of this report filing, Josie is assured of the position as the top three finishers are automatically added to the United States squad. She had a remarkably steady four day tournament with daily finishes on ninth, 20th, third and second, putting her just behind first-place Danielle McEwan of Stony Point, N.Y., and veteran Liz Johnson of Cheektowaga, N.Y.
Two members of the Vanderbilt varsity placed in the Top 12. Brittni Hamilton, who had been a Team USA member last year, was 11th despite her total pin fall that was seventh best in the field on 80. Jessica Earnest, Josie’s younger sister and a Commodore junior, was 12th after she struggled to a 44th place finish on this final day.
Four other Vanderbilt-related bowlers competed. Samantha Hesley had her best day Friday and ended up in 32nd place while Kim Carper was 38th after her roughest outing of the tourney. Signee Amanda Fry was 51st after her strong first two days and southpaw Natalie Goodman was 70th, enjoying her best day Friday.
Complete results and the Team USA and Junior Team USA rosters will be posted on bowl.com.