New Jersey Bound
2/22/2012 9:23:00 AM | Women's Bowling
The trip marks a change from the original Bearkat bowling schedule announced in September. The Kats were to play this weekend in the Holiday Classic in Bessemer, Alabama.
"Strength of schedule is key factor and heading to the East Coast this weekend will give us an opportunity to face several tough teams we don't normally play," SHSU head coach Brad Hagen said. "With just two tournaments left before NCAA selection, this is our chance to make a statement."
Five of the nine teams in the Monmouth Tournament are ranked. New Jersey City is No. 12, Delaware State No. 13, Adelphi No. 16 and host Monmouth stands No. 18. The Bearkats, who stand No. 9 in both the NTCA coaches and media rankings, are the top rated squad in the competition.
The tournament will be play at the King Pin Lanes in Egg Harbor Township.
Play will open Saturday at 10 a.m. with six team game total pin fall matches. Sunday at 9 a.m. there will be three best four-of-seven Baker bracket matches to decide the tournament championship.
Sam Houston State brings a 53-26 record into the tournament.
The Bearkats won the Track Kat Klash Classic in Huntsville in December, finished third at the Greater Ozark Invitational in October and the New Jersey Jamboree in November, fourth at the Nebraska Big Red tournament in January, sixth at the Arkansas State Mid-Winter Classic in January and seventh at the Maryland-Eastern Shore event in November.
NCAA individual pin averages for the Bearkat bowlers include Michelle Secours 200.14, Neishka Cardona 196.73, Dayna Galganski 193.84, Lisa MacAllister 188.90, Kimi Davidson 188.59 and Aida Sanchez 184.44.
Following the trip to New Jersey, the Bearkats will wrap up regular season play with the Music City Classic in Memphis March 16-18.
The NCAA Women's Bowling Championship will be held April 12-14 in Cleveland. Sam Houston State was the first inaugural program to earn a berth in the event when the Bearkats placed seventh in the tournament last year.
