READING, Pa. – The 12th-ranked Kutztown University women's bowling team currently leads the field at the first Northeast Conference (NEC) meet of the season. The Golden Bears finished day one with a 4-0 record after five traditional rounds of competition.
 
In the first match of the day, Kutztown (30-7) defeated 13th-ranked Sacred Heart University 1064-929, a season-high score for the Golden Bears. During the game, senior Deanna DiRado (Greensburg, PA/Greensburg Salem) shot 268, a career-high, striking nine out of 12 shots.
 
The team rallied together to win a two-pin match against 10th-ranked St. Francis University (PA) in the second round, 960-958. Earning another win in the third match, the Golden Bears defeated 17th-ranked St. Francis Brooklyn 955-877. Due to an odd number of teams competing in the conference, Kutztown had a bye the fourth round of play.
 
During the fifth and final match of the day, the team trailed 11th-ranked Adelphi University the majority of the game, but managed a strong comeback in the 10th frame to win 947-941.
 
"The best teams in the nation have the ability to fight and win close matches," said head coach Joseph Ambrose. "It's clear we're definitely one of those teams right now. Confidence is at an all-time high, and that is the key to success."
 
DiRado led the Golden Bears for the day, averaging 223.8 for four games. Junior Christine Gordon (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) and sophomore Lauren Stamm (Shillington, PA/Governor Mifflin) also contributed to the team's success, averaging 193.8 and 191.8, respectively. Overall, the team had a total pinfall of 3926 for four games, and collectively had an 86.5% filled frame percentage.
 
"Going 4-0 today was the best birthday gift ever," DiRado commented. "Our team confidence and energy are at a high right now, and we just need to keep executing consistent shots."  
 
NEC Meet #1 concludes tomorrow, Sunday, Nov. 10, with two traditional matches and three, five-game baker matches.