March 12, 2010

Smyrna, TN -

Entering the tournament at Vanderbilt University with slim but remaining hopes to capture a NCAA Tournament berth, the Panthers fell victim to poor spare shooting and lost four matches on the day.

The Panthers started the day well enough with a 928-841 victory over LA Tech. The 87-pin win was sparked by the efforts of Kristin Hayes (233), Danielle Merino (208), Danielle Locurto (178) with assists by Cristina Reale and Catherine Rawsthorne. NEC rival Sacred Heart University jumped out early and sustained a 102-pin lead to capture the match, 829-727.

The Pendulum swung the Panthers way in match three as the Panthers captured a 184-pin victory in the 804-620 triumph over NC A & T as Locurto (174) and Sarah Rawski (173) spearheaded the attack, assisted by 
Rawsthorne, Reale, and Samantha Morlack. Then the wheels fell off the wagon.

The Panthers faced the #2 Vanderbilt Commodores and battled gallantly but opened 13 times during the match including in the critical tenth frame to fall by 27 pins, 879-852, despite a fine effort by Locurto (207) and Merino (179). The Panthers then faced the top Division II program in the nation in the form of the University of Central Missouri.

The Jennies came up big late in the game as the Panthers opened 15 times to fall by 37 pins, 877-840. Along the way Molenko added a 190 games and Locurto continued a good day adding a 189. The final match of the day was with the FAMU Rattlers.

The Rattlers struck often and the Panthers held a lead entering the 10th frame. Locurto capped her day with a 200 effort and was aided by Merino (185) and Molenko (173) but 11 opens doomed their efforts to a 15-pin loss, 884-869.

The Panthers finished the disappointing day 2-4 and now stand 79-45 on the season. The 79th win is the most in a single season for the Panthers. The Panthers return to action tomorrow in Baker play.