Nov. 30, 2012
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HUNTSVILLE, Texas -- Vanderbilt was riding high with four straight wins Friday afternoon but a sluggish fifth game slid the Commodores into a tie for second place at Sam Houston State's Track Kat Klash. Vanderbilt trails surprising Wisconsin-Whitewater and shares second with Nebraska in total pin fall, which determines the standings and Sunday's championship bracket.
The 'Dores began the day with a strong 875 pin effort in the four-game Baker format and led the 16-team field. They slipped into second after the second game and held that spot and were unbeaten heading into the day's final match against the host Bearkats, who were also unbeaten.
"This was a much better Friday than we have been experiencing," said Coach John Williamson, who had hoped his team would get off to a stronger start. "There are always a few shots you would like to get back but this was the closest thing we've had yet to a complete day.
"We used the same lineup all day because I thought everybody had some shining moments," Williamson continued. "I thought Jess was her usual strong self and Robyn had a good day - they all had good days. We hope to carry some good momentum into tomorrow."
With a rotation of Amanda Fry, Nicole Mosesso, Natalie Goodman, Robyn Renslow and Jessica Earnest, the Commodores found themselves in a hole after the first game but came back with a narrow win in the second and a 39-pin win in game three to cut the deficit to 13 pins heading into the fourth and deciding game.
After starting with two strikes to temporarily seize the lead, Vanderbilt was able to register just three more strikes along with an open frame and Sam Houston escaped with a 785-771 win.
When asked to explain his team's steadier Friday, Williamson said "we tried to do a better job of focusing and we have begun playing for someone bigger than ourselves. Things are easier when you are doing them for something bigger than yourself."
Saturday's action starts at 9:30 with five team games. Bowl.com is streaming the tournament live so Vanderbilt's normal UStream coverage is not allowed to function.
Team Leaders
Wisconsin-Whitewater 4,103
Vanderbilt 4,065
Nebraska 4,065
Vanderbilt Results
VU 875 Stephen F. Austin 702
VU 228-176
VU 237-164
VU 204-172
VU 206-190
VU 803 Grambling 537
VU 192-161
VU 192-119
VU 225-149
VU 194-108
VU 780 Monmouth 752
Mon 198-170
VU 2214-140
VU 180-158
Mon 256-209
VU 836 Prairie View 702
VU 216-193
VU 201-147
VU 213-156
PV 208-206
Sam Houston 785 VU 771
SH 223-170
VU 197-195
VU 211-172
SH 195-193
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