WALLINGFORD, Conn. – The Kutztown University women's bowling team won its opening three matches and posted two 900-games in a 3-1 opening day of the first Northeast Conference (NEC) meet of the season, hosted in Connecticut by Sacred Heart University.
 
The Golden Bears (18-10) were picked sixth of eight teams in the NEC Preseason Poll, but silenced any critics on Saturday as one of four 3-1 teams following the first day of conference competition. Kutztown defeated LIU Brooklyn (987-843), Saint Francis (PA) (909-844) and Caldwell (858-751), and ended the day with a hopeful-temporary setback to Adelphi (861-897).
 
Dakota May (Conklin, N.Y./Susquehanna Valley) opened her day with a game-high 235 against LIU Brooklyn. It was one of three 200-games in the opener and marked the highest individual score of the day for the Golden Bears. Taylor Strothmann (Maywood, N.J./Immaculate Heart Academy) and Lauren Stamm (Reading, Pa./Governor Mifflin) also posted over a 200.
 
May followed with a 214 in the team's win over Saint Francis (PA), and averaged a 184.5 for the day. Stamm led the team with a 195 average, including a 221 in the opener. Strothmann averaged a 173.
 
Senior Christine Gordon (Cherry Hill, N.J./Cherry Hill East) ended her day with her top score of the day. Her 188 against Adelphi was second-best on the team as she averaged a 177.25 through her four matches.
 
The Golden Bears wrap up the first NEC meet with three matches on Sunday, Nov. 9 against Fairleigh Dickinson, Sacred Heart and Saint Francis Brooklyn.