KUTZTOWN, Pa. (January 27, 2012)—Fans from all across the United States packed Heister Lanes for the 2012 Kutztown Invitational that featured 28 bowling teams battling it out on the hardwood for perhaps some of its best competition of the 2011-12 season.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement as each team prepped with its own original warm-up cheer to open the event. Die-hard bowling fans filled the stands to root their team on in six 4-game quad baker matches.

The Golden Bears (24-20 overall) are currently in 13th place with a total pinfall of 4265. Kutztown remains ranked 14th in the National TenPin Coaches Association (NTCA) Media Poll. KU went 4-2 on Friday as it defeated No.12 Delaware State 767- 764, No.13 St. Francis (PA) 764-676, North Carolina Central 716-707, and Southern 719-646. KU fell to No.17 St. Peter's 736-647 and No. 19 Adelphi 767-652 who are both members of the Northeast Conference (NEC).

No. 2 Fairleigh Dickinson leads the tournament as it went 6-0 on Friday with a pinfall of 4890. No.1 Valparaiso is second (4801), followed by No. 3 Sacred Heart (4711), No. 6 University of Maryland-Eastern Shore (4680), and No. 18 Wisconsin-Whitewater in fifth place with a pinfall of 4643.

Junior Jara Cohen (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) (Marlton, NJ/ Cherokee) was steady on the lanes for Kutztown. Cohen spent most of her sophomore year coming off the bench for the Golden Bears, however she has flourished into a leader during the 2011-12 year. Whether it's her comedic character or tough-girl attitude, Cohen knows that when it comes to competition it's no joking matter.

“We always set higher expectations during this tournament, especially since we bowl at Heisters,” Cohen said. “We can't expect to bowl down, we just have to do our best by making our spares, make good shots and stay together as a team to get it done.”

Junior Morgan Reid (Clayton, NC/), (Clayton, NC) a first-year Golden Bear has transitioned well with her new team as she continues to contribute to Kutztown's depth.

“I love being on this team,” Reid said. “These girls are wonderful.” Reid is no rookie to the game and although it was her first-ever KU Invitational, she came filled with both anxiety and excitement.

Kutztown will continue with its second round of competition beginning at 9:30 AM with six traditional team game matches. At approximately 8:45 AM, KU will honor its lone senior Kayla Jones (Johnstown, PA/Westmont Hilltop ) (Johnston, PA/ Westmont Hilltop) in its Senior Day ceremony.