March 23, 2008

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HAMPTON, Va. - Two games. That is the amount of baker games the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) dropped during the entire Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championship as they topped Delaware State University (DSU) 4-1 in the best of seven baker game format in Sunday's final to secure their third straight women's bowling title and fourth overall. The one game came to the nation's 11th ranked team, DSU in the finals, the other to Norfolk State University (NSU) in the semi-finals. They won every other match via shut out.

The Lady Hawks took on the Lady Hornets in the finals. DSU defeated NSU 4-1 in the semi-final round for the right to face UMES earlier in the day. The Hawks topped the Hornets 169-158, 175-181, 183-181, 153-151 and 190-169 to secure the title.

"It was how it was supposed to be," said Head Coach Sharon Brummell. "The two teams in the finals were the two teams ranked in the nation. Everything played out correctly and it was a competitive final."

Freshmen sensations Kristina Frahm and Maria Rodriguez led the way in the awards column, making it the third year in a row that two Hawks have been on the All-Tournament Team. Frahm also made the third straight championship the third straight season for the MEAC Most Outstanding Performer (MOP) belonging to UMES, as she won the award with her 188.5 average and, as Assistant Coach Vince Brummell called it, "very consistent play." Rodriguez, another freshman, also was on the team with a 184 average on the challenging oil pattern.

Kristina Frahm, 2008 MEAC MVP

"It's an honor to receive this award as a freshman," said Frahm. "We have an awesome team this year and hopefully I would like to bring home three more MEAC titles."

However, it was senior Jessica Worsley who came through today in the clutch, taking advantage of her final MEAC Tournament to secure the win. "Jessica was the key to us winning today," said Sharon Brummell.

Joining Frahm and Rodriguez on the All-Tournament Team was Morgan State's Tylencia Selph and Amanda Forgarty as well as North Carolina A&T's Erica Johnson.

The win improves UMES to 113-23 on the season and hopefully a trip to their fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament.

"This feels great," said Sharon Brummell. "I felt more comfortable this tournament than I have before. That isn't overconfidence, but just being very happy with the work the young ladies have put in and the way they have been bowling all season. A lot of that is due to Doug's [Assistant Coach Doug Dukes] work. We couldn't have done it without the work he put in with the team," she added.

UMES head coach Sharon Brummell was named the Outstanding Coach. "I am elated," exclaimed Brummell. "This is our third consecutive title and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this team."

Sharon Brummell, MEAC Most Outstanding Coach

Brummell finalized by saying, "I have to thank all the supporters who came and watched and cheered us on, they were great!"

Fans who missed the event can catch it on television. It will be televised in a tape-delayed format by ESPNU. The match will air on April 3, 2008.