The Lady Hawks captured the 2011 title earlier today in Greensboro, their fifth overall and the second for three All-American seniors in Kristina Frahm (Oswego, Ill.), Martha Perez (Bogota, Colombia) and Maria Rodriguez (Ibague Tolima, Colombia). UMES defeated Morgan State 4-0 to capture the crown.
The Hawks, rolling all the way through the winner's bracket made short work of the Bears, 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.
Despite the solid play of the three seniors, it was a junior, Paula Vilas (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) who came up big, being named the Most Outstanding Performer of the championship.
"It feels amazing, I did not expect this award," stated Vilas, "When they called my name I was in shock, but I appreciate the honor." Vilas aided her team throughout the tournament and bowled a high of 193 against Norfolk State during the qualifying rounds.
Also claiming an award was Brummell, who was named Outstanding Coach of the championship. It was her fifth time receiving this honor.
2011 MEAC Championship Bracket
"This fifth championship was very special for me because of our three seniors (Frahm, Perez and Rodriguez). 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 and they were able to achieve that," Brummell said.
Morgan State, the sixth seed, topped second-seeded Delaware State earlier in the day in the semi-final round, 4-2. They were led in the tournament by Danielle Hale, Devin Revels and Keisheena Waldron. Hale averaged a 181 in the event while Revels and Waldron were named to the All-Tournament Team.
Rodriguez joined Vilas on the All-Tournament Team to go along with both Morgan State players and Jazmyne Hefflefinger from Delaware State.
The MEAC Bowling Championship finale will air in a tape-delayed format on Monday, March 28 at 7 p.m. on ESPNU.
Up next for UMES are the hopes for an at-large bid to the NCAA Championships April 14-16 in Taylor, Mich. A spot will be the eighth straight selection for the Hawks.
By University of Maryland Eastern Shore Media Relations
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