EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. - The 15th-ranked Kutztown University women's bowling team went 1-3 on Friday, but did manage to secure its lone victory over ninth-ranked Fairleigh Dickinson in the opening day of the Hawk Flight Invite.
 
Kutztown (58-37) faced ranked teams in three of its four matches on Friday, including two matchups against teams in the top-10. Kutztown had a 203 average per game in today's action, its best of the season. 
 
The Golden Bears started off the day with a 1217-1010 setback against 19th-ranked Saint Francis (N.Y.). KU has faced off against Saint Francis (N.Y.) 12 times during this season and has recorded five wins. KU battled tough against third-ranked Vanderbilt in its second match of the day, but fell to the Commodores, 1103-1021. Kutztown posted a 277 in game two against Vanderbilt, tying the record for the highest baker game in school history.
 
Kutztown managed to rally in its next match with a tight 1010-985 victory over ninth-ranked Fairleigh Dickinson. It was KU's first victory over a ranked team since defeating Saint Francis (N.Y.) on Sunday, Feb. 7, at the KU Allentown Tournament.
 
KU dropped its final match of the day to Franklin Pierce, 1108-1020, in a closely-contested matchup.
 
Freshman Jess Garzio (Ewing, N.J./Ewing) led the way for KU with a 21.7 frame average in 13 total frames. Sophomore Jenn Fitts (Birdsboro, Pa./Twin Valley) and senior Lauren Stamm (Reading, Pa./Governor Mifflin) both had impressive days with frame averages of 20.6 and 20.3, respectively, in 40 total frames. Seniors Kayla Maselkevich (Drums, Pa./Hazleton Area) and Taylor Strothmann (Maywood, N.J./Immaculate Heart Academy) also had strong days with frame averages of 20.2 and 19.9, respectively.
 
The Golden Bears continue action at the Hawk Flight Invite tomorrow, Saturday Feb. 27, at 9 a.m. against Felician University.