LAUREL, Md.- The North Carolina A&T women's bowling team
posted a 3-2 record in Day 2 of the Frederick Underwood Lady Bulldogs Classic
at the AMF Laurel Lanes on Saturday afternoon, for fourth place with 8,259 pins
and an 8-2 record for the tournament.
A&T head coach James Williams said the team's
performance puts them in a strong position for the tournament final on Sunday.
"I'm excited about tomorrow. Sitting in forth definitely gives us an
opportunity to finish in first place, through the brackets," he said. "It's not
going to be easy."
The Aggies must defeat the University of Alabama at Birmingham,
earn a victory over the loser of the Sam Houston State/Bethune-Cookman match
before then trying to defeat the winner of the same matchup.
"It's doable," said Williams.
In team head-to-head action, the Aggies (24-14, 10-6 MEAC)
dropped their first two matches before sweeping the rest of the competition in
the afternoon.
"I still see signs of rust from the month layoff, but the
team continues to grow and learn together," Williams said. "I'm just waiting
for all of it to click at one time."
Freshman Emily Strombeck had a strong day for the Aggies,
posting a 204.4 average for sixth overall in the tournament. It's the best tournament average she has
posted this season. Junior Courtney
Crook, senior Amber Brown and freshman Najah Owens also ranked among the Top 25
bowlers after Saturday's action.
A&T lost a close 889-873 match against UAB to open the
day as Strombeck bowled a 208 to help lead the team. The Aggies then took on National Tenpin
Coaches Association No. 19 Bethune-Cookman and lost 1106-968. Against the Wildcats, Owens bowled a
season-best 202.
A&T then dominated Chowan 921-632, bested Virginia Union
931-773 and defeated Coppin State 872-728. Strombeck bowled a season-best 225
against Virginia Union, and ended the day with a 213 game against the
Eagles. Freshman Najah Owens also has a
pair of 200-plus games, as did junior transfer Courtney Crook.
The Aggies will cap off the tournament with bracket matches
on Sunday.
"I'm hoping that the team can catch fire during the baker
matches tomorrow, like they did at the end of day one," Williams said.
