Jan. 29, 2015
Heading to the Big D: Vanderbilt travels to the heart of Texas for the Prairie View A & M Invitational, played at the United States Bowling Congress International Training and Research Center in Arlington. It is the venue where Team USA trains.
Format: Friday has five, 5-game Baker matches that start at 12:10 CT. Saturday’s six traditional team games begin at 9:25 a.m. On Sunday there will be one remaining team game played to complete pool play; then the championship bracket is the standard three rounds of best four of seven Bakers. Play Sunday starts at 8:25.
Following the tournament: Vanderbilt will USTREAM each game and @VandyBowling will also post timely tweets. Bowl.com is expected to stream as well.
Hectic schedule: The tourney is Vandy’s third in three weeks. The quick turn-arounds allow for limited practice and plenty of homework as team members are required to keep up with their class work. After this the Commodores remain home until Feb. 13. .
Mosesso travels: Senior Nicole Mosesso has rejoined the travel contingent after missing a week with back spasms. Also traveling are Natalie Goodman, Rebeca Reguero, Tori Ferris, Robyn Renslow, Amanda Fry, Giselle Poss and Katie Stark.
Participating teams: It’s a much smaller field than last week’s 28-teams in Pennsylvania but still deep in quality. Alabama State, Arkansas State, Central Missouri, Maryland-Eastern Shore, Nebraska, North Carolina A&T, Prairie View, Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin, Valparaiso and Vanderbilt.
Recent history here: Last year Vanderbilt lost to Nebraska, 4-2, in the championship match after beating Stephen F. Austin and top-rated Arkansas State. Two years ago the `Dores were fourth.