Rutherford, N.J.: The Felician University women's bowling team took home the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Championship after a 2-1 mega-match victory over Caldwell University during the final round on Sunday, March 23.
The first-seeded Golden Falcons started the weekend against fourth-seed Dominican University on Saturday morning, winning 2-0. A 243 from
Mackenzie Keane led Felician to a 979-900 win in the five-player traditional match. The team continued their dominance to take the five-game Baker match, 1,062-968.
The Golden Falcons faced off against Caldwell in Saturday afternoon's winners' bracket final. The two teams were deadlocked at 917 in their traditional match, which forced a five-frame Baker roll-off. With strikes in the second and third frames, Felician earned a 82-54 win. The Golden Falcons were up due to an early lead in Baker play to help take the mega-match 965-925.
The final on Sunday relied on the best-of-seven Baker match. Felician was led by
Grace LeFurge,
Katelynn Berger,
Mackenzie Keane,
Ashley Ferrara, and
Vivian Luna. Ferrara contributed to success with a 190 game, helping top the Cougars 870-838 in traditional play. Caldwell took the five-game Baker match, 979-874, which forced the best-of-seven.
Keane was named the tournament's Most Valuable Bowler. Ferrara and Luna were placed on the All-Tournament Team.
The No. 22 nationally-ranked Golden Falcons (75-32, 14-4 CACC) were recognized by the CACC for their impressive season, on and off the lanes. The team was awarded the CACC Women's Bowling Team Sportsmanship Award for their class and character throughout the regular season. Keane and Luna were recognized with All-Conference First Team honors. Ferrara and
Samantha Slocum were merited with All-Conference Second Team. Head coach
Rusty Thomsen was given Coach of the Year recognition after guiding Felician to their first regular-season championship.
The season for Felician continues as the team awaits their placement for the NCAA Women's Bowling National Collegiate Championship. The NCAA Selection Show will take place on Wednesday, March 26 at 4 p.m.
