Oct. 26, 2007

FAIRFIELD, CT - The Sacred Heart University women's bowling team is ranked seventh in the nation by the National Tenpins Coaches Association in its first Top-20 poll of the NCAA bowling season. The reigning national champions, Vanderbilt University of Nashville, TN, were the unanimous choice as the No. 1 team. The NTCA is the voice and leadership of NCAA bowling, and this is the first of six monthly polls that the NTCA will conduct throughout the 2007-`08 season.

The Commodores, who defeated the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore in the NCAA Championships final match last April, received all 16 first place votes. Vanderbilt will open its defense of their title this weekend at the Central Region Fall Jamboree in Jonesboro, AR.

Two-time national champion, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, was ranked second by the NTCA membership. The Huskers, who finished fourth at last year's national final, initiate their season in Fort Atkins, WI at the Cheeseland Classic on November 9, 2007.

Ranked third was Fairleigh Dickinson University of Teaneck, NJ. The Knights, who were third place finishers at the national finals a year ago, will kick-off their 2007-08 campaign at a North East Women's Collegiate Bowling Conference meet in North Arlington, NJ this weekend.

The University of Maryland - Eastern Shore of Princess Ann, MD and the University of Central Missouri of Warrensburg, MO tied for the fourth place ranking. The UMES Hawks, last season's national championship runner-up, will start their season in Dover, DE on November 3, 2007 at the opening round of the Mid-East Athletic Conference schedule. The UCM Jennies, qualifiers to the national championship tournament the past four seasons, will travel to Jonesboro, AR this weekend to launch their season at the Central Region Fall Jamboree.

The No. 6 ranked team was New Jersey City University of Jersey City, NJ, and the No. 7 ranked team was Sacred Heart University of Fairfield, CT. The NJCU Gothic Knights along with the SHU Pioneers will begin their season at the NEWCBC meet this weekend.