Bowlers big rally falls short

Nov. 16, 2013

MILLSBORO, DE—The hole was a little too deep for Vanderbilt to escape but the Commodores staged a valiant rally to make Sunday’s championship bracket at the Hawk Classic Saturday. In the end, they fell just 39 pins shy of that goal but went 4-1 in team games while gaining momentum in the process.

Vanderbilt opened the day with another slow start, losing to Fairleigh Dickinson by a wide margin. However, the next four games would show significantly higher scores, stoked by terrific anchor play by sophomore Robyn Renslow and getting big games from Natalie Goodman and Nicole Mosessoalong the way.

Renslow topped all individuals with her 215.20 average while Goodman was fifth with the day’s second best game score (258).

The Commodores defeated New Jersey City, Cheyney, Delaware State and Norfolk in succession, twice climbing over 1,000.

Renslow was steady and strong all day, perhaps never more clutch than in a tough struggle with Delaware State. Vandy had experienced some bad bowling luck in the game with a few pocket splits and Renslow stepped up in the 10th frame needing a strike for the team to win. The Californian delivered.

“Robyn is coming into her own as an anchor,” said assistant coach Josie Earnest. “She has been doing an excellent job and that is a real plus for our team as we go forward. We saw quite a few plusses today but we have to figure out how to start faster tomorrow than we have the last few times out.”

Goodman’s nifty 258 against Norfolk was the day’s best Vandy effort while Mosesso posted a 235 in the same game. Goodman added a 234 against New Jersey City. Renslow went 181-205-235-209-246 for her day’s worksheet.

The Commodores are in consolation play where the best they can finish is third place. They face Delaware State in the first game Sunday morning. Host Maryland-Eastern Shore topped all 17 teams in pin count over two days with FDU second, Kutztown third and Central Missouri fourth.

Vanderbilt Results
FDU 1,043 VU 851
Ferris 160
Fry/Mosesso 162
Goodman 178
Poss 170
Renslow 181

VU 969 New Jersey City 630
Ferris 165
Mosesso 170
Goodman 234
Poss 195
Renslow 205

VU 1,009 Cheyney 573
Ferris 200
Mosesso 210
Goodman 189
Poss 175
Renslow 235

VU 947 Delaware State 938
Ferris 183
Mosesso 201
Goodman 179
Poss 175
Renslow 209

VU 1,086 Norfolk State 965
Ferris 178
Mosesso 235
Goodman 258
Poss 169
Renslow 246