May 17, 2015
Vanderbilt’s bowling program continued to shine at the USBA Queens Saturday as four of the five Commodore-related competitors survived the cut and enter bracket play Sunday. The 206-woman field was chopped to the top 62 plus ties.
Leading the way was former All-American Brittni Hamilton, whose steady play through the first three days of qualifying resulted in a fifth place finish. The New Yorker had a 1,139 Saturday to end at +374, a 224.93 average. Hamilton plays Kimi Davidson Sunday morning in the first bracket round.
Incoming freshman Kris Quah cooled off from her record-setting Friday performance but still ended this prestigious event in eighth place. Her 224.07 average (+361) included a 951 Saturday set. Quah plays Stephanie Martins next.
Assistant Coach and former NCAA Player of the Year Josie Earnest, who spends much more time coaching that playing these days, still managed to place 39th with a 212 average (+180). She plays Maria Jose Rodriguez first.
Rounding out those who made the cut is junior Giselle Poss, whose continued improved play has been noticed. Giselle had an excellent Saturday with a 1,050 set and ended in 32nd place (+177), a 211.80 average over 15 games. Poss plays former Central Missouri All-American Bryanna Caldwell in Sunday’s first round.
Jordan Newman, another incoming freshman, acquitted herself very well in this major tournament filled with professionals, Hall of Famers and veteran bowlers. Newman had a 190.40 average.
Match play at the Queens will continue through Monday, and the event will conclude with the live ESPN2 finals Tuesday at 8 p.m. Eastern. All match play rounds leading up to the TV show will be broadcast live on Xtra Frame. Complete coverage is on bowl.com.
