Jan. 9, 2011
Call Bowling Contact Michael Stambaugh for more details - 386.481.2278 -
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - 'Do or die time'; That is how Head Coach Tony O'Neal labeled this weekend's MEAC Southern Division #3 Bowling tournament. Facing possible elimination from the conference championships, Coach O'Neal needed his ladies to step it up; with great play from newcomers and veterans alike, that's exactly what has happened. B-CU wrapped up the weekend with a 5-4 record and a spot among the MEAC tournament field.
The Lady Wildcats finished the first day with a 4-1 record, defeating North Carolina A&T, Norfolk State, North Carolina Central, and FAMU to open the tournament. Their only loss of the first day was to South Carolina State. B-CU earned their highest score of the day against rival and tournament host, Florida A&M, who B-CU defeated by 127 pins.
Leading the Lady Wildcats in Team play, Jazmin Sutherland had an average of 174.8 pins with a high of 237. However, the number two spot was earned by Staci Hilliard, stepping in at just the right time with a 174.25 average. Hilliard joined the team at semester after graduation from junior college. Crystiana Butler also earned an average at 170.75.
On day two, the Lady Wildcats got off to a slow start, falling to North Carolina A&T in seven Baker games. B-CU fell in a close-scored six game match to Norfolk State, and took a loss to North Carolina Central, but came back to lay another defeat on Florida A&M, winning in six games.
With day two in the books, B-CU finished 1-3 in Baker play.
As the tournament concluded, the Lady Wildcats finished atop the field with a 5-4 record, in a tie with South Carolina State, who B-CU was unable to face on Sunday due to early travel needs with an incoming eastern winter storm, protecting player safety with the early departure.
Despite splitting with NCAT, the Lady Wildcats' play this weekend earned them a spot among the field in the MEAC Bowling Championships in mid-March. The Aggies finished with a 3-5 record, eliminating them from the conference tournament. The wins over FAMU proved to truly be key for B-CU.
Next up for the Lady Wildcats, the team heads to the Midwest on January 20-22 for the Big Red Invitational, hosted by perennial bowling power Nebraska.
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