March 8, 2008

N. BRUNSWCK, NJ - THe SHU women's bowling team went undeated today at the ECAC Championships to bring increase their overall season record to 78-18 (.813) heading into the final few weeks of the regular season.

The Pioneers took an early lead in the total pinfall standings after defeating Kutztown University 946-872 in the first match and held onto it through game four before falling to second. After the first day, they are 39 pins behind first place New Jersey City University and 52 pins ahead of Fairleigh Dickinson in third.

Jamie Manzo had a 215 in the win over Kutztown and Sarah Pelletier led the Pioneers with a 203 against Delaware State in a 924-871 win. The team turned it on in match three with a 1019-831 victory over Hampton University, thanks to a 257 by Sarah Pelletier, Jamie Manzo with a 221 and Amanda Lulu's 213.

The Pioneers finished the day with wins over Howard University 982-818 (Amanda Lulu 245 and Alice Kessler 200) and Morgan State University 981-842 (dual 212 games by Sarah Pelletier and Amanda Lulu).

Pelletier led the team with 1037 for her five games and Lulu was close behind with 1013, followed by 1002 by Manzo. These three players were three of only seven who averaged over 200 for the day. All-tournament teams will be named tomorrow at the end of competition.

On Friday night, Pelletier was the runner-up in the fourth ECAC Singles Championship. The lefty qualified fifth out of the 71-women field for a spot in the eight-person single elimination bracket. After a slow start in qualifying, Pelletier finished strong (179, 171, 237 and 238) for 825 (206.25 average).

In round one, she defated NJCU's Jenn Marmo 192-164 then Kristen Hayes from Adelphi 174-173. Pelletier couldn't keep up with strikes thrown by Vicki Spratford, NJCU three-time All-American, and took home the second place trophy after losing 195-221.

Audrey Sachs narrowly missed the cut to the brackets by only nine pins. The junior shot 169, 212, 186 and 190 in qualifying.

Competition resumes with practice at 9:00AM on Sunday.