February 23, 2020 (Stratford, N.J.) – The Mount Bowling team split a pair of NEC matches on the final day of the regular season at 30 Strikes in Stratford, N.J. A loss to #17 nationally ranked Fairleigh Dickinson, followed by a win over #10 Duquesne pushed the Mount to 5-1 on the weekend and 73-33 to conclude the regular season.
Sophomore Rebecca Dodson led the way for MSM with a 19.87 baker frame average in the setup and anchor position. She was joined by
sophomore Danielle Milo, who had a 19.45 baker frame average in the three spot. Sophomore
Kayla Durbala also contributed nicely off the bench with an 18.11 baker frame average
.
#14 Mount: 1 (145-177-141-188-155) | #17 Fairleigh Dickinson: 4 (170-180-210-157-179)
After having the bye to start the day, the Mountaineers came out too flat in what would be their only loss of the weekend against FDU.
#14 Mount: 4 (221-185-200-225-182-191-184) | #10 Duquesne: 3 (195-223-194-221-222-237-171)
The Mount responded nicely by completing the regular season with a win over a top-10 opponent in their 4-3 victory against the Duquesne
. After a 3-1 lead, the Dukes got hot against the Mountaineers to force a deciding game seven. Sophomores Tamera Stanton and Dodson both struck in the ninth and tenth frames to seal the deal.
"I am proud of the way our ladies rallied in the final game against Duquesne," said head coach Kenneth DeGraaf. "Our coaching staff leaned into them pretty heavily after some missed spares cost us game five, but their actions showed a response not many teams can make
. Obviously, we wish we could have the FDU match back, but overall this was a great weekend for our program as we held the top record in the conference after struggling in league play earlier this year
."
After a 4-8 start in conference play, the clutch 5-1 outing by MSM got the team back to .500 at 9-9 and more importantly, clinched a spot at the NEC Championship Tournament in March. The Mount and FDU will have a play-in match to decide who joins Sacred Heart, Duquesne, and Long Island in the final four, double elimination bracket. Before NEC Championships, the Mount will compete at the USBC ITC Sectional Qualifier March 13-15 back in Stratford.
