The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's bowling team continued their success on day two of the Bethune-Cookman Wildcat Invitational, Saturday, Oct. 29. The Knights went 6-0 in traditional matches to increase their season record and tournament record to 11-1. FDU leads the tournament with a total pinfall of 10,481 and secured the number-one ranking in Sunday's playoff round.
In match one the Knights faced Salem International. With strong individual performances from senior Meghan Kelly (Howell, NJ/Howell) and sophomore Michelle Hunzaker (Cary, NC/Green Hope High School), FDU defeated Salem, 988-547. Kelly bowled a 232 in her first match of her senior campaign, while Hunzaker added a team-high 243.
The Knights defeated Delaware State in match two, 1,036-905. Senior Joely Carrillo (Clifton, NJ/Paramus Catholic) paced the team with a 228. Danielle McEwan (Stony Point, NY/Stony Point) added 213, while freshman Erica Schneider (Levittown, NY/Division Avenue High School) scored a 201. Hunzaker and Kelly added scores of 198 and 194, respectively to add to the well-balanced attack.
In game three the Knights struggled against North Carolina A&T. Although they lost the stroke they had built in the previous games and scored lower than earlier in the day the Knights defeated A&T, 846-728. McEwan recorded the team-high with a 180 in match three.
Next up for the Knights was Alabama State. Behind a 224 from Schneider, a 218 from McEwan and a 202 from Hunzaker, the Knights took their fourth-consecutive win, 977-851.
In match five FDU took on a familiar opponent in Morgan State. Hunzaker once again scored high with a 233, while McEwan added to her total with a 223 to give the Knights a 976-831 victory.
The final game of the day pitted FDU against UAB for the second time during the tournament. In tough lane conditions the Knights suffered. Schneider led the team with a 180, helping them to an 855-755 win to go undefeated on the day.
Individually the Knights were led by Hunzaker who compiled a total pinfall of 1,223 for an average of 203.83 over six games. Hunzaker currently sits in second place. McEwan tallied the third-highest pinfall with 1,183. McEwan's average for the tournament was 197.17. Five Knights finished among the top 15 in the individual standings.
“The tournament is not over,” said Head Coach Mike LoPresti. “We still need to win tomorrow, when we're playing the best teams in the tournament. We have a tough day ahead.”
Sunday's playoff round will put the Knights up against Florida A&M, the only team at the Wildcat Invitational to defeat them this season. Delaware State and Morgan State will also battle for the top spot, with the winners facing in the championship bout. The playoff round consists of two best-of-seven Baker matches.
“Considering the competition we were faced with today, the quick changing lane conditions and the length of the day, today was an extremely challenging day for the team,” added LoPresti. “But it proved to be a positive one. We had great performances all day. For our level of play to be so high at this stage of the season, it is really a great accomplishment.”
The Knights conclude action at the Wildcat Invitational on Sunday, Oct. 30.
