LIMERICK, Pa. – The seventh-ranked Fairleigh Dickinson women's bowling team excelled in its return to the lanes, going 5-0 and sitting in first place after the first day of the Kutztown Golden Bear Invitational.
After 47 days since their last outing, the Knights (43-18) totaled over 1,000 pins in four of their five Baker team wins to finish the day with a total score of 5,196, averaging 207.8 pins per game to lead the 28-team field. FDU defeated three ranked opponents and got stronger as the day went on, winning each of their last three matches by over 100 total pins.
"Everything clicked today," head coach
Mike LoPresti said after play concluded. "The team competed at a very high level. It really was an extraordinary day."
The Knights stuck with a lineup of juniors
Samantha Hart and
Brianna MacLeod, sophomore
Amanda Chrzanowski, senior
Amy Caruso and sophomore
Aimee Sherman for all five matches.
FDU started the day and the second half of its season by defeating 22nd-ranked Maryville, 1010-937. The Knights rolled over 200 in three of the five games, with a high of 224 in the third frame. The Knights totaled a higher pin count in each of the first three games to help build their advantage.
The Knights then toppled 10th-ranked Stephen F. Austin by a score of 1105-1036. The Knights held a 16-pin lead over SFA heading into the fifth game but saved their best for last with a match-high score of 256 in the final frame.
FDU finished with a higher total in four of five frames in their 1009-879 victory over LIU Post. The Knights rolled three games over 200 with a high of 235 in the fourth frame.
The Knights recorded their highest match total of the day against 11th-ranked North Carolina A&T, defeating the Aggies 1129-1005. FDU totaled over 200 pins in four of five frames, with a 268 in the fourth game representing the highest frame total of the day.
FDU ended its remarkable opening day by topping Medaille, 943-816. The Knights also finished with a higher score in four of five frames against Medaille, totaling a high of 214 in the fourth frame.
It is the first time the Knights finished in first place after one day since winning the Virginia Union Invitational earlier this season. The Knights finished that tournament a perfect 11-0 and were crowned tournament champions.
Saturday's slate in the traditional matches features three ranked teams in no. 3 Vanderbilt, no. 20 UAB and no. 4 Arkansas State. All three teams along with the Knights are in the top 10 in the standings through one day, with Vanderbilt and Arkansas State both in the top five and UAB also going 5-0 in the first day.
"Tomorrow, we'll need to play at this level and close out the day better in order to maintain the lead," LoPresti continued. "We cross up with no. 3 and defending national champ Vanderbilt, no. 20 UAB and close against no. 4 Arkansas State. It's a challenge we're looking forward to."
Check back here at fduknights.com for further updates and results after Saturday's competition.
