LAS VEGAS — Vanderbilt resumes its schedule in the new Stormin’ Blue & Gold Vegas Classic to be played Friday through Sunday at the Southpoint Bowling Plaza in Las Vegas. The tournament is hosted by Mount St. Mary’s.
Here is more on the event:
Tournament format: Five, 5-Game Bakers beginning at 12:55 p.m. CT Friday; Five team games beginning at 12:55 p.m. CT Saturday; Bracket of Baker games beginning at 6 a.m. CT Sunday.
Competing teams (14): Delaware State, Grambling, Maryville, McKendree, Monmouth, Mount St. Mary’s, Nebraska, Prairie View, Saint Francis (Pennslyvania), Stephen F. Austin, Texas Southern, Tulane, Valparaiso, Vanderbilt.
About the tournament: This is the first NCAA sanctioned tournament Vanderbilt has ever entered west of the Rocky Mountains, something virtually every NCAA teams could also say. The event will not only be the first ever NCAA bowing competition at this venue and in Las Vegas, but will also be the furthest west NCAA bowling has ever gone for competition since its installation in 2004.
South Point Tournament Bowling Plaza is a 60-lane, world-renowned facility that hosts top professional and amateur events. It is equipped with the latest bowling technology along with a tournament registration area, bowler’s squad room, modern locker facilities and more. The stadium is located inside of the South Point Hotel Casino and Spa.
Traveling in two sets: The seven Commodores who have been competing in the USBC Team Trials and US Amateur will stay in Vegas for the Blue & Gold Classic since there is a short turn-around between events. Vanderbilt is sending a second wave to Las Vegas that includes the other three roster members – Maria Bulanova, Emily Rigney and Lauren Potechin – along with associate head coach Josie Barnes.
Following the tournament: Flobowling.com will live stream the event and Vanderbilt will provide updates on Twitter.
Recapping the fall campaign: Vanderbilt began the year ranked No. 1 in the nation. After an uneven fall campaign, the Commodores are now rated No. 5 in the most recent NTCA poll. The Commodores were second at the Allstate Sugar Bowl and had a pair of fifth places at the Ladyjack and Hawk Classic.
