NEW CASTLE, Del. — Vanderbilt concluded a disappointing Northeast Classic tournament Sunday by losing two of its three matches to finish the 34-team event in eighth place.
The Commodores began the day routing Stephen F. Austin in a best-of-seven Baker matchup of the seventh and eighth seeds. A rotation of Haley Lindley, Amanda Naujokas, Caroline Thesier, Victoria Varano and Paige Peters posted glossy scores of 256-252-225 and 221 in topping the Jacks 4-1.
From there it was on to Tulane with Alyssa Ballard entering for Thesier and the rotation changing slightly as a result. Vandy led 2-1 before the Green Wave stormed back with scores of 223 and 240 to lead 3-2. The Commodores evened it behind a 256 effort, but the higher seeded Wave had the all-important lane choice and took the more friendly left side, which helped produce a 243-191 decision.
The setback dropped Vandy into the 7-8 slot and a quick rematch with Stephen F. Austin. In collegiate bowling rematches, the hunter often becomes the hunted and that was certainly case with this contest. The Ladyjacks became a striking machine, averaging 229 to sweep the match 4-0. Vanderbilt produced respectable totals of 233-190-201 and 227 but none were enough to capture a game.
The Dores experimented a bit with their order in the third game, leading off with Naujokas and putting Lindley in the 4-hole for the first time this season.
Paige Peters was named to the all-tournament team for the second straight event, based upon her third place individual finish Saturday.
Vanderbilt ended the tournament with a 9-4 record and hopes to regroup heading into next weekend’s Prairie View Invitational, known for attracting many of the nation’s top ranked teams.