Nov. 11, 2007

Ormond Beach, Fla. - The 2007-08 edition of Bethune-Cookman University opened up the year with an impressive 9-1 showing over the weekend at the MEAC Southern Division Tournament held in nearby Ormond Beach, Fla. This was the first home event for the Wildcats in over three years.

B-CU (9-1) looked all but incredible in the team matches as they came away with a 4-1 mark, falling to North Carolina A&T. The Wildcats blew past teams including Winston-Salem State, South Carolina State, Florida A&M and Norfolk State ... as well as the Aggies of North Carolina A&T.

The `Cats only loss, as previously stated, was in team matches with a 932-858 setback to the Aggies.

Bowling well in team matches were Ta'Shieka Green and Christine Murphy. Both bowlers averaged 187 and above, including Green's 192.2 average.

"Ta'Shieka [Green] was our high bowler with 192, and she looked dominant," proclaimed B-CU third-year head coach Jerry Norris. "We looked like a very balanced team overall, and we got a contribution from everyone on the squad."

In the baker matches, the Wildcats were simply untouchable as they walked away with a perfect 5-0 record on Sunday.

B-CU defeated all but one opponent by at least 100 pins. The only tough competitor was Norfolk State who fell by a count of 697-605.

"Bowling with three freshmen, they were of course very nervous at first," admitted Norris. "They settled down nicely, and started performing up to their potential. We just performed excellently as a team in baker matches."

Bethune-Cookman will get back to the lanes this week with practice before their next tournament. For more information on coming events, please call the B-CU Office of Sports Information at (386) 481-2206. Or you can locate your internet browser to www.BCCathletics.com ... the official, home for all 17 B-CU sports.

"If we continue to do what we did this weekend, then we are looking forward to a very successful season," stated Norris. "That is, once again, if we keep progressing the way we are right now."