The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's bowling team started the 2011-12 season in strong fashion.  In six Baker games played on day one at the Wildcat Invitational, the Knights went 5-1 with a total pinfall of 4,810.  The Knights rank first in total pinfall to lead the field at the three-day tournament hosted by Bethune-Cookman in Daytona Beach, FL.

“Overall, I cannot be more pleased and proud of this team,” said Head Coach Mike LoPresti. 

The Knights took on Alabama-Birmingham in the first official match of the season.  With games of 155, 236, 254 and 201 FDU defeated UAB, 856-627.

In game two the Knights recorded games of 196, 203, 200 and 216 for a total 815 against Southern University.  The Louisiana-based team bowled 181, 126, 188 and 146 for a team score of 661.

FDU took on host Bethune-Cookman in match three.  BCU scored games of 180, 161, 187 and 135 for a combined 673 but could not match the Knights' score of 831.  FDU bowled 166, 224, 244 and 208 to extend their win streak to three. 

The Knights earned their only loss of the day against Florida A&M in match four.  FDU shot 166, 188, 161 and 157 for a total score of 672, while FAMU recorded 212, 210, 285 and 176 to take the win with a combined score of 783. 

South Carolina State was the Knights' fifth opponent.  The Knights combined for match score of 820 with game scores of 211, 247, 186 and 176, while South Carolina scored 131, 200, 163 and 134 for a total 628.  The win extended the Knights' record to 4-1 on the day.

FDU secured the top-place ranking with a win over Tulane in game six.  It was the first time the Knights had faced Tulane in program history.  FDU scored 206, 173, 191 and 246 to defeat Tulane, 816-678.  Tulane recorded scores of 172, 151, 135 and 220. 

“Some things need to be improved,” explained LoPresti.  “But for the first day of the season, to do so well, to win most of our matches and to lead the event, I can't say enough.”

The Knights will face second-ranked Delaware State in Saturday's traditional game schedule.  They begin the day with a match against Salem International and continue with Delaware State, North Carolina A&T, UAB and Morgan State.

Full Day One Standings

1. Farleigh-Dickinson (5-1) 4810
2. Delaware State (6-0) 4660
3. Florida A&M (4-2) 4389
4. Morgan State (5-1) 4251
5. BCU (4-2) 4216
6. Alabama State (3-3) 4091
7. Southern (2-4) 4069
8. Tulane (2-4) 3765
9. North Carolina A&T (2-4) 3757|
10. UAB (2-4) 3630
11. South Carolina State (1-5) 3366
12. Salem (0-6) 2769