ELMWOOD PARK, N.J. – The 12th-ranked Kutztown University women's bowling team finished the second day of the Fairleigh Dickinson University Jamboree with a 5-1 record after bowling six traditional matches. The Golden Bears currently sit in eighth place with a pinfall total of 9,318. 
 
The team started the day with a win against Salem International, 912-733. In the second match, Kutztown shot 952 against 20th-ranked Bethune Cookman's 843. The Golden Bears struggled in a close third match, ultimately losing to sixth-ranked Sam Houston State University, 902-917. 
 
During an hour break, the team regrouped and looked to a fresh start against fifth-ranked University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The match came down to the 10th frame, where Kutztown rallied together and defeated UMES 965-948. Bringing the same energy into the fifth match, the team beat 14th-ranked Valparaiso 942-920.
 
Going into the 10th frame of the last match against second-ranked Vanderbilt University, the Golden Bears were trailing, but with a few key shots and a major adrenaline rush, the lineup came together to pull out a last-minute victory of 901-889. 
 
"This afternoon proved what this team is capable of," comments head coach Joseph Ambrose. "There is nothing in the world like winning an extremely close match, and the team managed to do it three times in a row. Tremendous."
 
Junior Christine Gordon (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) led the Golden Bears with a 200.3 average for all six games. Close behind her, senior Brooke Bower (Camp Hill, PA/Cedar Cliff) averaged 198.3 for six games, and played an integral role in the anchor position the last three matches of the day. Seniors Rebecca Velazquez (Mohegan Lake, NY/Lakeland) and Deanna DiRado (Greensburg, PA/Greensburg Salem) averaged 176 and 178.8 for all six games, respectively.
 
Sophomore Lauren Stamm (Shillington, PA/Governor Mifflin) also contributed to the team's success with a 175.5 average for the day. In the final match against Vanderbilt, sophomore Kayla Maselkevich (Drums, PA/Hazleton Area) was substituted in for DiRado midway through the game and bowled three crucial strikes in row during the close match. 
 
"I'm definitely proud of the way we bowled today," Gordon said. "Our team really came together when it mattered most."
 
The FDU Jamboree concludes on Sunday Nov. 3, with two best-of-seven baker matches.