UMES Takes MEAC Northern Division Crown
MILLSBORO, Del. — In their quest to win a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Northern Division title, the Hawks bowling team needed a great weekend and some help to achieve their goal. With seven wins out of eight, the Hawks covered their end of the bargain, then got the help they needed from division rivals to overtake Delaware State in the final stretch to claim first place and their sixth straight divisional crown.
The weekend concluded the regular season, with UMES going 18-6 in conference and Delaware State finishing at 17-7. Howard and Morgan State have also earned qualification to the MEAC Championships in Late March.
On the first day, The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) got a jolt from sophomore Melanie Copey, who led the field during individuals with a 772 series, including a game high of 225. Three other Hawks—senior Thashaina Seraus, sophomore Jalesa Johnson and freshman Danielle August earned top ten spots.
Copey’s 225 game came in the first matchup Saturday as the Hawks took charge against the Bison, 930-796. However, fortune would favor the Hawks’ challenger in the next matchup as the Delaware State (DSU) Hornets fermented their Northern Division lead with a 877-809 win.
Freshman Lindie Esteban subbed in for the third game, but it was Seraus’ 211 game that ignited UMES to a 911-535 victory over Coppin State. The team then squeaked by Morgan by a 882-847 score to defeat Morgan State to go 3-1 on the first day.
Going into the second day, UMES needed a victory over Delaware State and a pair of extra losses by the Hornets to claim the title.
Baker play started strong with a 880-793 victory over Howard and a 937-865 triumph Morgan State, while the Hornets fell to the Bison and Bears during the same stretch. That set up what turned out to be the division clinching match.
UMES trailed after the opening match as DSU took the first ten, 167-146, but roared ahead with a Sunday high of 252, defeating the Hornets by 101 pins. After that the Hawks never looked back, registering games of 184, 201 and 192 on their way to a Sunday best 975. The eventual 180 pin defeat set up at least a tie for the five-time defending champions.
In the finale, the Hawks kept up the pace with a 236 in the first set against Coppin State and kept it up, bowling a 956 and guaranteeing themselves the North Division crown. But even though the Hawks won the division, they still have to bowl for seeding during the first day of the MEAC tournament.
However, the Hawks will compete in two tournaments before then, starting with the USBC Sectionals in Las Vegas, Nevada from March 11th to the 13th.
For complete story, visit www.umeshawks.com
Aggies Roll To Second Straight MEAC Southern Divisional Title
TALLAHASEE, Fla. – There may not be a hotter team in the nation than the 10th-ranked North Carolina A&T State bowling team. Their stellar play has now translated to the Aggies winning their second straight MEAC southern divisional title.
N.C. A&T State finished the third MEAC Meet of the season 8-0. The Aggies, who were picked to win the MEAC southern division, came into the meet two games behind Norfolk State. The Aggies are now 67-28 overall and finished their MEAC schedule 19-5 a year after finishing 20-4. The Spartans finished the weekend 3-5 to close out MEAC play three games behind the Aggies at 16-8.
The Aggies are a combined 28-3 in their last three tournaments and have won 22 straight games. They need only three more wins to secure their third straight 70-win season. What is also impressive about the last three tournaments is that the Aggies have had a different leader in all three. Senior Emily Strombeck led the Aggies at the Stormin Ladyjack Classic two weeks ago, junior MacKenzie Robinson led the Aggies last week at the Brunswick Invitational in Greensboro last week and for the MEAC Meet it was junior Kristin Shinn.
Shinn had a total pinfall of 787 to finish seventh with an average of 196.75 over four games. Strombeck finished right behind Shinn in eighth with a total pinfall of 777 with an average 194.25. Robinson also finished in the top-10 by finishing 10th with an average of 183.50 in four games.
Despite the 8-0 mark, the Aggies faced tough competition. The Aggies took down Norfolk State in traditional team games 900-793. Shinn led the way with a score of 235. Strombeck contributed with a 187. In baker play, the Aggies defeated the Spartans 912-801. Also in traditional play, the Aggies needed 200-plus games from Kori Smith (217) and Strombeck (210) to defeat Bethune-Cookman 976-970.
Shinn’s 211 helped the Aggies defeat Hampton 896-879. Strombeck’s 210 led the Aggies to a win over Florida A&M, 932-898. The Aggies also outlasted Hampton in baker play 977-957 led by Shinn, Smith and Strombeck.
The MEAC championships are March 25-27 at AMF Bowling Lanes in Chesapeake, Va.
For complete story, visit www.ncataggies.com