Keene, N.H. - The East Coast Conference Women's Bowling Championship has only known one winner in its history -- Adelphi.
After winning the inaugural league title last season, the Panthers went back-to-back on Sunday morning, defeating Lincoln Memorial, 4-1, to win their second straight ECC crown.
"We went into this season with the same mentality as last year -- start strong and finish stronger -- and that's what we did," head coach Dennis Kearney said. "As a team, we added three immediate contributors to our roster this year compared to last. They made us deeper and brought with them a pedigree that could push us towards repeating as ECC champions."
Two of those newcomers capped their first year as Panthers on a high note. Katelyn LaRocca, named Second Team All-ECC on Friday night, was awarded Tournament MVP after posting a 19.54 frame average. Joining her on the All-Tournament Team was freshman Olivia Lopera, who tallied a frame average of 18.67 to round out the team.
"Katelyn provided us a spark and intensity we needed to carry us through the weekend," Kearney said. "Olivia's winning mentality, mental focus and consistency was key to linking the top and bottom of the lineup together."
The Panthers came into Sunday's play as the No. 2 seed for the double-elimination bracket after posting a 4-1 record with a total pinfall of 4,580, behind only Franklin Pierce's 4,727. The Brown and Gold recorded wins against Kutztown, Molloy, Franklin Pierce and LIU Post before falling in the final match to the Ravens by less than 100 pins, headed into Saturday's double elimination round.
"Our goal was to be a No. 1 seed, but either way, we knew the road through the bracket to the championship was going to be a challenge," Kearney said. "The ECC is getting stronger and expanding every year with the growth of our sport, as seen by the fact that LMU made it all the way to the final in their first year. On Saturday, we put our mindset at one shot, one frame and one match at a time."
The Panthers defeated the Molloy Lions in the first round of double elimination before sweeping past LIU Post and Lincoln Memorial to earn a place in Sunday's final against the winner of a match between LMU and Felician. Facing the Railsplitters once again in the final match, the Panthers capped off the repeat with a 4-1 victory.
With three seniors (Jackie Castelli, Laura Zaugg and Leanne Reed) graduating this spring, Kearney will return LaRocca, Lopera, McKenna Collier, First Team All-ECC selection Lena Sorrentino and ECC Bowler of the Year Rebecca Gotterbarn next season.
"It feels great to be back-to-back champions, and we're looking forward to reloading with a new cast and going for it again next season -- with some bigger goals in mind."
Provided by the Adelphi Sports Information Department.
