READING, Pa. – The Kutztown University women's bowling team started the 2013-14 season with an undefeated record of 11-0 and two second place finishes at Berks Lanes this weekend. It was the only competing team that did not earn a loss in 11 matches, and it is the first time in school history KU has won its first 11 matches.

The Golden Bears started the successful weekend by finishing second to Saint Francis-PA at the KU Baker Invite on Saturday afternoon with a total pinfall of 4,570 pins and a 6-0 record.

In the first match of the 2013-14 season, Kutztown defeated Pitt-Bradford 771-613, despite issues with the oil pattern on the right lane. Following that match, the team beat Penn State Altoona 793-581, with a high game of 220 during the four baker games. The third match, Kutztown defeated Delaware State University with a day-high of 832 against the Hornets (710). KU also earned wins against Salem International (710-590), and Norfolk State University (795-693).

In the final match versus Coppin State University, the team was six pins down after two baker games. Kutztown hit a rough pair, and with quick adjustments and a few lineup changes, the Golden Bears fought for their slight win of 669-643.

"Overall, I was definitely pleased with the six wins we earned to start the season," head coach Joseph Ambrose commented. "I see what we now need to focus more on in upcoming tournaments. This group of girls has unbelievable potential."

Senior Deanna DiRado (Greensburg, PA/Greensburg Salem) led the team with a 20.0 baker frame average for 47 frames, earning her the fourth slot on the All-Tournament Team. Also contributing to the Golden Bears' success was junior Christine Gordon (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East), with a 19.5 frame average for 43 frames, senior Rebecca Velazquez (Mohegan Lake, NY/Lakeland) with an average of 19.2 for 37 frames, and senior Brooke Bower (Camp Hill, PA/Cedar Cliff), who averaged 18.9 for 47 frames. Bower and DiRado were the only two bowlers to play in every match.

Sophomores Lauren Stamm (Shillington, PA/Governor Mifflin) and Kendall Patterson (Freehold, NJ/Howell) also contributed to the team on Saturday with averages of 17.1 and 17.9, respectively.

"Starting the season on a positive note, a 6-0 record is always a good thing," DiRado said. "I think we've seen what we need to work on as well. We performed very well for our first competition day."

The team added to its success by also going undefeated Sunday during five traditional games, and placing second to Saint Francis (PA) yet again, with a total pinfall of 4,698.

Kutztown defeated Cheyney University 870-572, and Long Island University 995-837. In the third match against Saint Francis (PA), the Golden Bears fought for control all game. The win came down to all five in the KU lineup striking the first ball in the 10th for 987, defeating SFU's score of 972.

After an intense third match, Kutztown won against Saint Francis (NY) 948-854, and finished the day with a victory over Adelphi University (898-854).

DiRado once again led the Golden Bears on Sunday, earning her a spot on her second all-tournament team of the weekend, averaging 197.4 for five games. Joining her on the all-tournament team was Gordan, who averaged 200.2 for the day. Bower and Velasquez also contributed to the team's second place finish with five-game averages of 189.6 and 184.8, respectively.

"I'm very proud to be coaching this team after this weekend, however, we definitely need to work on spares," Ambrose said.

Competition resumes Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Hampton Roads Invite in Norfolk, Va.