The No. 1 seeded Fairleigh Dickinson University women's bowling team fell to Vanderbilt, 4-1, on Friday, April 13 in Orlando, FL, ending its run to repeat as NCAA Champions. The Knights started the day by defeating No. 8 Minnesota State- Mankato, 4-1, in its first match of a double elimination bracket. The Knights then fell to University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, 4-3, despite climbing back to force a game seven. Fairleigh Dickinson advanced in the bracket after rolling past Sacred Heart, 4-1, but fell to Vanderbilt in its final match.
Based on Thursday's qualifying rounds, teams were placed in a double elimination bracket, competing against each other in a best-of-seven Baker-style bowling competition.
The Knights won the first three games (235-186, 235-216, 220-124). With a 3-0 lead, the Knights dropped the fourth game, 235-177. Needing to win the best of seven for the victory, FDU stormed back to take the fourth game and the match with a dominating 257-173 win that included six-consecutive strikes.
Fairleigh Dickinson drew University of Maryland, Eastern Shore in the next match. The Knights fell behind as the Hawks were on a roll and took the first two games, 289-204 and 259-236. FDU fought back to take the next game, 206-199. UMES won game four, 201-180. Facing a 3-1 deficit, the Knights fought to climb back and take the next two games. The Knights won game five 223-203 and then in a tight game six, Kristy Kerr (Essexville, Michigan/Garber) struck out in the 10th frame for the sixth-consecutive game to give the Knights a 181-179 win to force a game seven. In a very close final game that came down to the last frame, the Hawks edged the Knights, 204-194.
"We aren't disappointed at all," said Head Coach Mike LoPresti. "We were down 3-1 and we brought the match all the way to the last frame. You can't ask for anything more than that. We have a young, enthusiastic and resilient team that just added another chapter to their experience."
Fairleigh Dickinson rolled past Sacred Heart, 4-1, to advance in the bracket. The Knights took the first game, 255-202, but fell in the second, 210-169. Fairleigh Dickinson dominated the third game, 240-183, and then edged the Pioneers, 173-167, for the 3-1 lead. To win the match, the Knights plowed ahead in the fifth game, starting off strong as they threw nine strikes in the first 10 frames.
FDU fell to Vanderbilt, 4-1, in the semifinals to end its chance of repeating. The Knights fell in the first three games, 258-184; 171-166; and 214-193. Fairleigh Dickinson had a strong fourth game, winning 237-192 on the strength of six consecutive strikes, but the Commodores took a very close final game by only two pins to end the match, 225-223. Erica Perez (Carteret, New Jersey/Carteret) gave a strong performance in the final game, throwing eight strikes. AJ Lescisko came in for strong support, throwing six strikes in eight chances. Becky Ketcham, after struggling early, found her shot to help the team.
"Probably one of the hardest things to do is to repeat as a National Champion," said LoPresti. "We gave it our best shot, and unfortunately, we came up a little bit short. I'm ecstatic about how we fought right to the last shot. We never gave in, never got down and always believed that we could win the match, even beyond all odds. We had superlative performances today. For the seniors, they'll cherish those memories for the rest of their lives. For the freshmen, they'll be able to use it to make us better in the future. Tomorrow, we start preparing for next year."
Nebraska was defeated by UMES, 4-1, leaving the Hawks and Vanderbilt to compete for the National Title, live on ESPNU at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 14 and on ESPN2 on April 15.
Please check back for updates as well as photos from the Awards Banquet
Updated Results from the Double Elimination Bracket
FDU Women's Bowling NCAA Tournament Home Page
