Dover (Dec. 6, 2009) --- Less than a week after climbing to No. 3 in the latest National Tenpins Coaches Association (NTCA) Top 20 poll, the Delaware State bowling team has clinched its second straight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conferfence Northern Division title.
The Hornets captured the North crown after posting a perfect 10-0 record in division competition in Baltimore, Md., over the weekend. DSU was 5-0 in regular team games on Saturday and completed the sweep with a 5-0 mark in Baker matches on Sunday.
In regular team play, the Hornets upended Hampton (1052-909), Howard (1056-776), Coppin State (980-657), Morgan State (961-936) and UMES (994-958).
Angela Reynolds topped the Hornets with a total pinfall of 1093 in five games (218.6). Reynolds had three games of 200-or-better, including 246 in the Hampton match. She also posted scores of 236 and 233 during the day. Jazmyne Hefflefinger had a 1011 total pinfall in five games (202.2). She had a team-best 266 vs. Howard. Freshman Nicole Bower posted a total pinfall of 1010 in five games (202.0), highlighted by a top performance of 234.
Delaware State rolled to Baker wins over Howard (823-661), Hampton (837-710), Morgan State (761-715), UMES (779-72) and Coppin State (733-526) on Sunday.
The Northern Division crown earns Delaware State a No. 1 seed in the 2010 MEAC Tournament in March.
Delaware State is now 46-10 overall and 29-1 in the MEAC North this season.
The No. 3 national ranking is the highest in team history, topping the previous high of No. 4 last season. The Hornets collected 441 total points and one first-place vote in the Dec. 2009 poll. DSU was No. 6 in the NTCA preseason poll, which helps determine the field for the NCAA Tournament next spring. Vanderbilt is the new No. 1 in the poll. The previously No. 4 Commodores received 14 first-place votes and 528 points. Maryland-Eastern Shore is No. 2 in the latest poll. The Hawks collected two first place votes and 472 points.