The Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Lady Hawks defeated Arkansas State 4-2 to earn the NCAA Women's Bowling Championship title, Saturday evening at Thunder Alley in Omaha, Nebraska.

UMES made NCAA bowling history Saturday night as it captured its first NCAA Women’s Bowling title since the sport’s NCAA sanction in 2004. It was the first NCAA Division I title for UMES, as well as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Lady Hawks Head Coach Sharon Brummell also became the first woman head coach to lead her team to a title.

The Lady Hawks were down three games to Vanderbilt in the semifinal elimination match. Maryland Eastern Shore won four straight games to defeat Vanderbilt and contend for the national championship.

Photo Courtesy of NCAASports.com

Against Arkansas State, The Lady Hawks were tied 1-1 heading into the third game. Arkansas State’s anchor Marissa Martinek helped the Indians to victory with back-to-back strikes in the tenth frame. Arkansas State won game four 182-180.

The Lady Hawks answered back in game four with six strikes and five spares to record the 217-164 win over Arkansas State.

With the score tied at two games a piece, the Lady Hawks didn’t let up and defeated the Indians 175-152.

Up three games to two, UMES topped Arkansas State 174-170 to capture the 2008 Women’s Bowling Championship title.
Senior anchor Jessica Worsley was named the Most Valuable Bowler for the 2008 National Championship.

In addition to Worsley, teammate Maria Rodriguez earned All-tournament honors. Vanderbilt’s Brittany Garcia, New Jersey City’s Vicki Spratford and Arkansas State’s Maggie Adams completed the All-tournament team.

For more information on the 2008 NCAA Women’s National Championship, log on to www.ncaa.com

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