Monday, March 28, 2011
Three senior University of Maryland Eastern Shore bowlers are ending their careers the same they started – with a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championship.
The Lady Hawks captured the 2011 title in late March, their fifth overall and the second for Kristina Frahm (Oswego, Ill.), Martha Perez (Bogota, Colombia) and Maria Rodriguez (Ibague Tolima, Colombia).
The Hawks rolled through the winner’s bracket and made short work of sixth-seed Morgan State, 4-0 (206-162, 161-157, 170-138, 187-134) to capture the match in straight games.
“What took us over was the fact that we were able to make our spares. I constantly drive into the young ladies that we have to make spares and it proved to be worth it today,” said head coach Sharon Brummell.
While the three All-Americans seniors provided solid play, it was junior Paula Vilas (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) who came up big, being named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Performer.
“It feels amazing, I did not expect this award,” Vilas said. “When they called my name I was in shock, but I appreciate the honor.”
Vilas’ high game was 193 against Norfolk State during the qualifying rounds.
Brummell was named Outstanding Coach – the fifth time she received the honor.
“This fifth championship was very special for me because of our three seniors. This was their last MEAC Bowling Championship. They were a part of the 2008 National Championship team and they really wanted to go out with a win. They were able to achieve that,” Brummell said.
Rodriguez joined Vilas on the All-Tournament Team.
The Lady Hawks are hoping their performance earns them an at-large bid to the NCAA Championships April 14-16 in Taylor, Mich.
The championship finale played on March 20 will air on March 28 on ESPNU at 7 p.m.