4/20/2008 4:00:00 AM MEAC Media Relations

Lady Hawks' Season Ends In Final Four Of USBC Championships

After coming from one loss in the contender's bracket the Lady Hawks of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) found themselves in their second straight Final Four in as many weeks. This time however, didn't end as it did last weekend. UMES was heartbroken in a semi-final loss to Pikeville, 4.5 games to 3.5 in the 2008 United State Bowling Congress (USBC) Intercollegiate Team Championships.

The loss ended the season for UMES, who has nothing to be ashamed of as they hold the 2008 NCAA National Championship at home in Princess Anne, Md.

Pikeville, who would have had to lose twice to the Hawks to be eliminated, went on to top hometown favorite Wichita State 2-0 in the best of three finals. They were crowned national champions on what will be a tape delayed telecast by CBS College Sports Television.

The third seeded Pikeville topped the seventh seeded Hawks by winning four of the seven games. They two teams tied the fifth game at 203. UMES had a 2-0 lead, taking games one and two by scores of 183-187 and 190-156 respectively. Pikeville fought back to take game three 212-180 and game four 223-159. After tying game five UMES dominated game six 212-137 but then dropped game seven 280-172. That set up a tie- breaking game eight 214-177 in favor of Pikeville (183-187, 156-190, 212-180, 223-159,203-203, 137-212, 280-172, 214-177).

Despite a semi-final run, no Hawks were named to the All -Tournament Team. Pikeville freshmen Ashly Galante was named MVP. Joining her on the women's All-Tournament Team was Morehead State senior Amy Corbin, Wichita State's sophomore Rocio Restrepo and senior Emily Maier as well as Lindenwood freshman Laura Fonnegra, the team that UMES eliminated a round earlier.

"It would have been an honor to win both national championships," said Head CoachSharon Brummell. "We came here because this event means so much to our seniors. They really enjoy bowling in it and deserved the chance to do so."

Jessica Worsley and Christine King both bowled their last event with the Hawks today at the USBC Championships and leave the team on top of the college bowling world, both pivotal in winning the NCAA title.

"I am so proud of these young ladies," said Brummell. "They have laid a strong foundation for our program, they were here for all three consecutive MEAC wins and both have helped build this program to one of the best in the nation. They were a big part of winning the championship and the school and I are so appreciative for what they have given to the team and university."