Kutztown, Pa. (Jan. 23, 2017) --- The Delaware State bowling team lived up to its No. 12 national ranking with a strong performance at the weekend Kutztown Invitational, which featured a total of 17 nationally-ranked teams.
The Hornets were second in the 28-team field with a 12-3 overall record and a total pinfall of 16,026. DSU was one win away from capturing the tournament crown, holding a 3-0 lead over No. 4 Vanderbilt in Sunday's best-of-seven championship match, but the Commodores won the last four games to claim the title. Vandy won the decisive game seven 213-197.
Delaware State reached the final round by defeating No. 10 UMES (4-3) and No. 4 McKendree (4-2) earlier in the day.
The Hornets began the tournament by posting a perfect 6-0 record on Friday's opening day.
DSU's opening-day success was highlighted by Baker victories over Vanderbilt and No. 9 Monmouth, and 1000-point team scores in four of the six matches, including the last three.
The Hornets began the tournament with a 922-917 victory over Tulane. DSU then posted an 1117-873 win over Chestnut Hill.
Delaware State improved to 3-0 on the day with a 962-929 win over fellow Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference member Norfolk State.
The Delaware State –Vanderbilt match was a high scoring affair, with the Hornets coming out on top 1024-1007. DSU topped the 200 pinfall mark four times in the five-game contest.
The Hornets continued their hot play with a 1032-934 win over Youngstown in the next match, highlighted by its best team score of the day, 244, in game five.
Delaware State completed its perfect day with a 1018-826 victory over Monmouth.
The Hornets were 4-2 in regular team games during Saturday's competition.
DSU posted wins over Medaille, No. 8 Central Missouri, Bethune-Cookman and No. 22 North Carolina A&T, while falling to Wisconsin-Whitewater and McKendree during day-two of the tournament.
Junior Amber MacLeod was Delaware State's top individual performer with a total pinfall of 1,233 in six games for an average of 205.5, to rank 15th among all competitors. MacLeod topped the 200 mark in four games, with a high of 231.
Alexis Neuer was second on the Hornets with a 197.0 average, totaling 1,182 in six games.
Delaware State is now 41-13 overall this season, 23-7 in Baker contests and 18-6 in regular team games.
