3^rd Annual Saint Paul’s College Bowling Invitational

Midlothian, Virginia - December 07, 2008 - The Saint Paul’s College Lady Tigers Bowling Team hosted their 3^rd Annual Saint Paul’s College Bowling Invitational this weekend at Bowl America Southwest Lanes in Midlothian, Virginia.  The tournament consisted of 19 teams from around the country, including the reigning 2007 NCAA National Champions and 2008 National Runner-up, Vanderbilt University.  With a mix of Division I, Division II, and Division III teams in attendance, every school proved to be excited about the opportunity to play a variety of nationally ranked competitors that included: (2^nd) Vanderbilt University, (4^th) University of Central Missouri, (7^th) Fairleigh Dickinson, (8^th) New Jersey City University, (13^th) Adelphi University, (17^th) St. Peter’s College, (18^th) Fayetteville State University, (19^th) St. Francis College, and (20^th) Elmhurst College.

This NCAA-sanctioned event began Saturday morning with schools competing in six team matches.  At the end of the first day, former National Champions Vanderbilt University topped the leader board with 6,595 total pins.  Last year’s winner, University of Central Missouri, followed closely behind them with a total of 6,324 pins. Second year participant New Jersey City University rounded out the top three with a total of 6,244 total pins.  At the finish of day one, four teams ended with a total of over 6,000 pins, exceeding last year’s first day high score of 5,862 total pins. 

On Sunday morning, the tournament continued with schools competing in five four-game bakers matches.  The winner of the tournament was determined by who scored the highest total pin fall through both days.  Vanderbilt University continued to flex their muscles on day two as they knocked over 4,420 total pins. Their combined total of 11,015 pins toppled last years champion University of Central Missouri to become the 2008 Saint Paul’s College Bowling Invitational Champions.

Vanderbilt, led by 2008 All-Tournament team members Josie Earnest and Tara Kane, averaged 1001.36 pins per game.  All-Tournament team member Tara Kane bowled a total of 1,328 pins, with an average of 220.83 pins per game, and an individual game high of 246.  Teammate Josie Earnest bowled a tournament high of 1,419 total pins, with a tournament high average of 236.50 pins per game, and an individual game high of 266. Earnest excellent play earned her a spot on the 2008 All-Tournament team and 2008 Most Valuable Player Tournament honors.  Earnest and Kane where the anchors of the squad, but Vanderbilt’s win was a team effort. The team posted 25 individual games of 200 pins or more, clearing their way to a victory. 

After scoring a total of 4,269 pins on Sunday, University of Central Missouri posted a combined score of 10,593 pins giving them second place in the tournament.  Last year’s winner made a valiant effort to remain champions of the tournament, but fell short as they averaged 963 pins per game.  Led by 2008 All-Tournament team member Allyssa Surges, Central Missouri posted a total of 20 individual 200 pins or more games. Surges finished the tournament with a total of 1,359 total pins averaging 226.50 pins per game and an individual game high of 266.

For the second consecutive year, Division III institution New Jersey City University, bowled impressively well, earning them a third place finish.  Maintaining their momentum from Saturday, New Jersey City University finished with a score of 4,201 pins on Sunday giving them a combined score of 10,445 total pins. The Gothic Knights were led by All-Tournament team member Jenn Marmot who bowled 1,340 total pins with an average of 223.33 per game and a tournament single game high of 285.

Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Erica Perez also earned All-Tournament team honors with 1,325 total pins.  With a game high of 256, her average pin fall was 220.83.

Although no member schools placed, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association was well represented with all member teams attending but one.  Bowie State University led all CIAA schools with 8,499 total pins.  Tycora Brown led the Lady Bulldogs with 1,121 total pins, averaging 186.83 per game. The Lady Bulldogs averaged 772.64 pins per game. 

“The turnout was excellent,” said Saint Paul’s College Athletic Director, LeRoy Bacote.  “The level of competition was phenomenal. Teams breaking 10,000 pins exceeded all my expectations.  I know several teams are looking forward to next year’s event.”

The Saint Paul’s College Bowling Invitational continues to grow. Attendance has more than doubled from its inauguration and each year another milestone is reached. With increasing fan and media support, the Saint Paul’s College Bowling Invitational is quickly becoming a premier bowling event.  The tournament allows teams to compete across conference lines, inspiring camaraderie and sportsmanship towards each other. Teams often travel, lodge and interact with each other beyond match times.  Plans are already underway for the much anticipated 2009 event.