Nov. 20, 2007

MILLSBORO, DE - The SHU women's bowling team made its first trip to one of the biggest tournament fields of the season at the UMES Hawk Classic last weekend. After getting off to a slow start, the Pioneers finished the tournament 9-2 and finished in fifth place.

"After a slow start by some of the regular starters, we went through a few line-up changes to win match three against UMES and finish the day strong," said head coach Becky Kregling.

The Pioneers dropped the opening match to Delaware State. Then the team fell to Morgan State by nine pins, after holding a 60-pin lead in the eighth frame.

SHU bounced back to edge the host, Maryland-Eastern Shore, by one pin. It was a big victory over the team that had been the NCAA Runner-up a season ago. The Pioneers finished the full-team matches by winning convincingly over North Carolina Central, Coppin State and Kutztown State.

The Pioneers then swept four four-game Baker matches over St. Francis (NY), Bethune-Cookman, St. Paul's, Bowie State and Hampton University.

Sophomore Marissa Gagliardi (N. Branford, CT) was named to the All-Tournament team by shooting 1246 for six team games. Her 207.67 average placed her third out of 126 players in individual standings. She was one of only six who averaged 200 on the sport compliant conditions.

Senior Amanda Lulu (Leicester, MA) shot 1194 for a 199.0 average and eighth in the standings missing all tournament by only 19 pins. In her debut, freshman Erin Weinmann averaged 194.00 for the last two matches and continued to bowl well the next day in baker.

"We went through some major ups and downs emotionally and physically this weekend but ended each day on a high note," said Kregling. "Everyone had to gut it out at certain times to keep the team in the match. We learned a lot this weekend which will help us be successful the rest of the season."

The 9-2 record for the weekend, leaves the Pioneers with a 17-4 mark so far this season.