READING, PA (January 30, 2010) – On a festive and memorable afternoon, the Kutztown University women's bowling team finished the second day of the KU Invitational in fourth place with five victories and 5,953 pins. (TEAM STANDINGS) (PHOTO GALLERY) (INDIVIDUAL RESULTS)
The Golden Bears, ranked 12th in the latest National Tenpins Coaches' Association Top 20 poll, Kutztown beat Northeast Conference rival Sacred Heart (1176-859), Morgan State (963-923), Long Island University (966-734), Southern University (957-881) and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UWW) (1008-877). The Golden Bears came up short against the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, 996-883.
The day started great and got better for the Golden Bears.
First, Kutztown University women's bowling coach Joe Ambrose recognized senior captain Steph Ray (West Lawn, PA/Wilson ). Then, Kayla Stamm (Mohnton, PA/Governor Mifflin) set a school record with an individual effort to cherish as she came within two strikes of a perfect game in the opening match against Sacred Heart. Finally, professional bowler Kelly Kulick paid a visit that captivated tournament participants and spectators.
For the second consecutive day, the packed house was treated to a high-level display of quality bowling and thrilling matches between some of the best women's bowling teams in the nation.
The Golden Bears got their fans into the match from the beginning. The Golden Bears had a match to remember in its opener against Sacred Heart. With spectators standing on step-ladders decorated in KU's school colors with gold and maroon garland, holding signs and chanting loudly, Kutztown bowled an impressive 235.2 as a team for the 1176-859 win.
Stamm stole the show with a breathtaking performance that she won't forget for a long time. She rolled 10 consecutive strikes until she missed the last pin in the tenth frame on her 11th roll for a career high and school record 289. Kayla Jones (Johnstown, PA/Westmont-Hilltop) had the previous record of 275. Jones (236 pins), Steph Ray (West Lawn, PA/Wilson ) (235), Chelsea Adam (Reading/Exeter) (223) and Nicole Gatto (193) all contributed in the victory.
“I was surprised that I didn't blackout,” Stamm said. “I was dying a little inside from the pressure and all the eyes watching me on that last bowl. I just tried to stay focused on throwing a good shot. I'm really happy with that score.”
Meanwhile, Ray had no idea she would be honored for her dedication, hard-work and effort to the Kutztown bowling program over the last three years. Surrounded by her teammates in gold-clad shirts, the entire bowling alley erupted into cheers and applause when Ambrose started the recognition ceremony.
Ray's mouth dropped in the surprise recognition, quickly covering up her bashful facial expression with her hands, and at times, trying to duck into her teammate's circle to avoid all the attention. As Ambrose highlighted Ray's long list of achievements on and off the lanes over the PA system for all to hear, teammate Kayla Jones (Johnstown, PA/Westmont-Hilltop) presented Ray with a bouquet of flowers.
With all eyes on the senior education major, who finally stepped out to be recognized in front of all 27 teams and their fans, Ray's father jumped up from the crowd to join his daughter on the lanes as several people snapped photos.
Ray joined the team for the program's inaugural season of 2007-2008. Throughout her three seasons with Kutztown, she has bowled a career high 244, and named to the NEC second team. Off the lanes, she has been named Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Scholar-Athlete and Dean's list.
“I didn't realize everything the coach was going to say,” Ray said. “He went more in-depth than I thought. It was really nice to receive the flowers and be recognized for what I've done these last three years.”
A major surprise for fans and student-athletes was when Kulick walked into the bowling alley. Last weekend Kulick became the first woman to win a Professional Bowlers Association tour major title in the 45th annual Tournament of Champions. Kulick posed with the Golden Bears, autographed bowling shoes belonging to Jones and Adams, and signed a bowling pin, dedicating it to Kutztown.
“To know she stopped here, at our tournament meant a lot to us, especially me,” Jones said.
Kutztown's only other game over 1,000 points came in their last match against University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Jones, who was flopping within the top five individual scores finished the match with a 246.
Bowling five of six games above 200, Jones is currently tied with Valparaiso's Natalie Cortese for first place with a 220.67 average and 1,324 pins.
“I'm really happy with how I did today.” Jones said. “You never know what is going to happen. In two frames, the entire game can change.”
UMES (6,270) currently sits in first place, followed by New Jersey City (6236), Fairleigh Dickinson (6132), Kutztown (5953) and Sacred Heart (5779).
The Kutztown Invitational resumes tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. in baker-match play followed by tournament playoffs.
--KU--
