VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (March 25, 2022)-Morgan State University Lady Bears went 1-1 in their Mega-Matches on Friday, which advanced them to Saturday's Rounds of play in the 2021-22 MEAC Championships being held at Pinboy's at the Beach in Virginia Beach, VA.
 
Mega-Match # 1 vs Monmouth University
Traditional Game Portion
Monmouth – 965, Morgan State – 919
This match was close through six frames then the bottom half of the Hawk lineup strung strikes to gain the lead on the Lady Bears. Morgan State rallied hard in the 10^th frame, but could not make up the deficit, falling in the traditional portion against the Hawks.
Morgan State scoring: Ashanti Fernandes 199, Aliya Adams 193, La'Monique Berrios 181, Cheyenne Washington 180 and Natalia Miranda Vega 166.
Monmouth led the match at that point 1-0.
 
5-Game Total Pinfall Baker Portion
Morgan State – 996, Monmouth – 964
The Hawks had a 43-pin lead after two games. That's when Morgan State fired back to change the entire match. In Game 3, Morgan bowled a 269 against the Hawks' 178 to take a 46-pin lead in the match. The Lady Bears never let go of that lead finishing strong with games of 186 and 202. The match became tied at that point 1-1.
 
Best 4 of 7 Baker
When a match is tied at 1-1, the deciding format is Best 4 of 7 Baker. Here the Hawks swept the Bears 4-0. Three of the first four games were decided by less than 10 pins (219-210, 174-169, 202-193), In the fourth game the match was even after six frames, then the Hawks strung three strikes together to seal the victory 195-169.
Monmouth wins Mega-Match 2-1.
 

Mega-Match #2 vs Howard University
Traditional Game Portion
Morgan State – 892, Howard – 789
This match saw Naomi Smith enter the lineup and Morgan was able to take control early. The lead extended to over 100 pins by frame eight and the Lady Bears held on to go up 1-0 on the Bison.
Morgan State scoring: Aliya Adams 201, La'Monique Berrios 190, Ashanti Fernandes 172, Natalia Miranda Vega 171 and Naomi Smith 158.
Morgan State led the match at that point 1-0.
 
5-Game Total Pinfall Baker Portion
Morgan State – 850, Howard – 786
The Baker lineup saw the addition of Carrington Beaman as the Bears were able to defeat the Bison in convincing fashion. Morgan State again used a 200 Game 3 in the set to open up the lead on Howard and never looked back. The Bears were able to extend their lead by 20 additional pins in the last two games closing Howard out and winning this Mega-Match.
Morgan State wins Mega-Match 2-0
Traditional Averages on the Day: Aliya Adams 197.2 for two games, Ashanti Fernandes and La'Monique Berrios tied at 185.5 with each bowling two games, Cheyenne Washington 180 for one game, Natalia Miranda Vega 168.5 for two games and Naomi Smith 158 for one game
 
Baker Averages on the Day: Naomi Smith 19.75, Natalia Miranda Vega 19.7, Ashanti Fernandes 19.05, La'Monique Berrios 18.78, Aliya Adams 18.5, Cheyenne Washington 16.26 and Carrington Beaman 15.9.
 
Coach Falbo was pleased with the Lady Bear's effort on Day 1, "The first match came down to a Best of 7, which saw two teams battle three consecutive games each decided by less than 10 pins,' said Falbo. "In the fourth game we were even after five frames which is when Monmouth string strikes to their credit to take Match #1.
 
"We saw everyone contribute in Match #2 against Howard. More important we have a better handle on how to play in the transition we are seeing in this center. These ladies will fight strong and know they will have a great Saturday."
 
MEAC Championship action continues for Morgan State at 9 a.m. tomorrow when they face the Delaware State Hornets at Pinboy's at the Beach in Virginia Beach, Va.
 
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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.