FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The ninth-ranked Kutztown University women's bowling team currently sits in second place at the second Northeast Conference (NEC) Meet of the season, with a total of eight wins and five losses. The Golden Bears are tied with fourth-ranked Fairleigh Dickinson, after going 2-2 for the day.
 
Due to an odd number of teams, the team had a bye in the first round of competition. During the second round of play, Kutztown lost to 13th-ranked Adelphi, 835-973 for five baker games. Bouncing back, Kutztown defeated fourth-ranked Fairleigh Dickinson in a close match of 1037-1034. The Golden Bears rallied together the last baker game, striking out from the sixth frame on to defeat the Knights by three pins. 
 
During the fourth round of competition, the team lost to 20th-ranked Long Island University - Brooklyn, 934-1013, but bounced back during a traditional game the last match to defeat 12th-ranked Sacred Heart, winning 1094-989. 
 
"After a terrible start today, we were able to get an important win against FDU, and also beat SHU in their own house," said head coach Joseph Ambrose. "I feel confident we can win our three matches tomorrow."
 
Sophomore Lauren Stamm (Shillington, PA/Governor Mifflin) led the Golden Bears for the day, averaging 20.68 for 29 baker frames, and shooting 222 in the traditional match against Sacred Heart. Senior Deanna DiRado (Greensburg, PA/Greensburg Salem) averaged 19.7 for 28 baker frames, and shot an impressive 230 in the Sacred Heart match.
 
Shooting a day-high game for the Golden Bears, senior Rebecca Velazquez (Mohegan Lake, NY/Lakeland) bowled a 246 against Sacred Heart, and averaged 18.7 for 28 baker frames. Sophomore Kayla Maselkevich (Drums, PA/Hazleton Area) also contributed to the team's success, averaging 18.1 for 22 baker frames. 
 
"We had a slow start because we had the bye first, but we beat FDU and SHU which was awesome," commented DiRado. "We played really well today."
 
The NEC Match concludes tomorrow, Sunday December 8, with four traditional matches.