HOWELL, N.J. (March 7, 2010) -- The Kutztown University bowling team sits in fifth place after the first day of the ECAC Championship tournament, hosted by Fairleigh Dickinson.

Kutztown, (53-42, 9-5) is currently ranked 12th in the latest National Tenpin's Coaches Association (NTCA). The Golden Bears went 2-2 for the day, beating fifth-ranked Delaware State in a tie breaker, and beating 19th-ranked Norfolk State 820-788. Kutztown dropped a match to third-ranked Fairleigh Dickinson (875-854), and 11th ranked St. Francis (869-812).

Coppin State, Kutztown's first scheduled match, was a last minute cancellation. Following NCAA rules, the match turned to a “no contest” match. Any team scheduled to bowl against the no-show team can bowl to increase the team's pinfall in the tournament, as well as help any bowler's individual average.

Kutztown's five bowlers bowled a team high of 958. Heather Shoemaker, (225), Steph Ray (198), Molly DeMatties (189), Kayla Jones (186), and Kayla Stamm (150) performed in the “no contest” match.

In match two of traditional play, Kutztown lost to Fairleigh Dickinson 875-854. Stamm earned the team high of 197 followed by Shoemaker with 176.

Kutztown and Delaware State tied at 922 in match three. A modified baker roll off earned Kutztown the match win, when they beat Delaware State 96-86. Shoemaker again earned the team high, bowling a 224. Jones followed with 199.

Kutztown beat Norfolk State 820-788.  Shoemaker earned the team high in the match, knocking down 191 pins. Stamm followed with 181 downed pins.

In match five, St. Francis beat Kutztown 869-812.  Jones bowled her high of the day, earning 224 pins. Ray followed with 150.

For the first four matches, Shoemaker was leading the tournament in averages, however ended up sixth for the day after bowling a 145 in match five. She missed the all-tournament team by five pins, marking her best performance as a Kutztown player.

Competition continues on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. at Howell Lanes. The day will include three four-game baker matches followed by two Best of Seven Baker Matches.