March 18, 2011
Friday Results 
SMYRNA, Tenn. - Top-rated Fairleigh Dickinson overtook Vanderbilt late in the day and holds the lead at the halfway point of qualifying at the Columbia 300 Music City Classic Friday.
The Knights tallied 4,895 pins over six quad Baker games to lead the host Commodores by just 35 pins heading into Saturday's traditional team games. Central Missouri is in third place in the 20-team event, 192 pins back with Arkansas State fourth and Nebraska fifth. Complete standings are found on the attachment to this story.
"We had a slow start to our day but we made some changes, had some good adjustments and caught a few breaks," said a pleased FDU Coach Mike Lopresti.
Vanderbilt also had a strong day with sophomore Sarah O'Brien perhaps having her best performance as a Commodore.
"Our team intensity was there all day and for once we didn't get off to a slow start," O'Brien said. "I am proud of our team for pulling together; I thought Brittni Hamilton had a lot to do with keeping us upbeat. I was pleased with my day; since coming back from my hip surgery last fall I might have lacked a little confidence but today I regained it."
Vanderbilt had a 5-1 record on the day, losing only to FDU, while FDU skated along unbeaten. The won-loss records are not factored into the tournament standings. The 20 teams will be bracketed based on the combined pin fall of the two days after tomorrow's action.
Vanderbilt doesn't keep records for back-to-back Baker games but its start against Texas Southern would be a contender if it did. The Commodores went 270 in the first game and followed it with a 279, stringing eight strikes before Jessica Earnest left a pin in the ninth frame.
The Commodores key head-to-head match Friday didn't work out as well, dropping a close game to top-rated Fairleigh Dickinson. There was just 10 pins separating the two teams after three Bakers but the Knights won the fourth game by a comfortable 26 pin margin.
Vanderbilt's three seniors all saw action at one point or another while its primary lineup was Brittni Hamilton, Kayla Rhoades, Sarah O'Brien, Jessica Earnest and Samantha Hesley.
The tournament continues Saturday and Sunday. Tomorrow's play is traditional team games starting at 12:30 at the Smyrna Bowling Center. Admission is free.
Vanderbilt's Friday Results (4-Game Bakers)
Vanderbilt 820 Valparaiso 556
Vandy 225-151
Vandy 176-124
Vandy 185-110
Vandy 234-171
Vanderbilt 811 Monmouth 759
VU 246-198
M 201-193
M 188-159
VU 222-172
Vanderbilt 884 Texas Southern 609
VU 270-116
VU 277-136
TS 166-162
TS 191-175
Fairleigh Dickinson 817 Vanderbilt 781
FDU 213-195
VU 201-185
FDU 212-204
FDU 207-181
Vanderbilt 743 Southern 709
VU 205-137
VU 190-159
S 203-166
S 210-182
Vanderbilt 821 Alabama A & M 650
VU 228-153
VU 187-136
VU 204-187
VU 202-174
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