By Jason Pompey
Virginia State University’s bowling team picked up eight wins at the Virginia Union Invitational held at Bowl America Southwest Lanes (Midlothian, VA) on November 30th thru December 2nd. The trio of Kelley Dove (Sr./Washington, DC), Amber Slater (Sr./Virginia Beach, VA), and Latoya Gee (Sr./Petersburg, VA) led the Trojans to a 4-0 record in total team pinfall.
On their first day of competition, VSU picked up wins against Chowan (771-620) and Elizabeth City State (726-723). The Trojans bowled a team-high 774 in a loss to Sacred Heart University. They also lost to Central Missouri (982-742). In total team play, three seniors led the Trojans to an undefeated record on the second day.
VSU’s Kelley Dove led the Trojans with 862 total pinfalls in five games. Both Latoya Gee and Amber Slater played in four games as Gee recorded 681 pinfalls and Slater added 667 pinfalls. The Trojans defeated Shaw (752-650), St. Augustine’s (844-748), Virginia Union (794-590), Winston-Salem State (bye), and Chowan (786-609). In the Winston-Salem State (bye) two Trojans bowled 200+ pinfalls; Kelley Dove had 211 and Danielle Petty (Fr./Suitland, MD) had 210.
The Trojans closed out the invitational with wins over St. Augustine’s (877-724) and Shaw (636-514) in baker play. In a tough battle with Elizabeth City State on the third day, VSU lost 1,151-1,200 in seven games. Overall, the Trojans placed fourth with a record of 8-4.
The Trojans will travel to AMF Laurel Lanes in Laurel, MD for the Frederick E. Underwood Lady Bulldogs Classic on January 18th thru 20th.
Trojans Women’s Basketball Slaughters Washington Adventist, 72-46
Virginia State University’s women’s basketball team cruised to a 72-46 win against Washington Adventist on Sunday, December 9th in Takoma Park, MD. Defensively, the Trojans held the Lady Shock to 24% shooting from the field and also scored 28 points off 28 turnovers by the Lady Shock.
VSU’s Brianna Holt (Sr./Selmer, TN) scored a team-high 11 points on 4-7 shooting from the field. She also knocked down two shots from long range. Asyja Smith (Jr./Bowie, MD) also hit two shots from three-point land leading the team with eight points in the first half. The Trojans led 36-23 at the half after shooting 43% from the field.
In the second half, the Trojans continued their dominance by forcing 16 turnovers and holding the Lady Shock to a miserable 20% shooting from the field. VSU’s Lamesha Deal (Jr./Norfolk, VA) went 5-7 from the free-throw line in the second half scoring seven points. The Trojans shot 75% from the charity stripe in the second half nailing 9 of 12 attempts, cruising to a twenty-six point victory. VSU’s offense scored 28 points off of 28 turnovers forced by their defense and outscored Washington Adventist’s bench 36-19.
The Trojans improved their production from the free-throw line by shooting 73%. Their offense remained consistent throughout the game as thirteen different Trojans recorded a point.
With the win, the Trojans move to 5-3 overall with two road games remaining before starting CIAA conference play. VSU travels to Mercy College and Briarcliff College in back-to-back games on December 15th and 16th in New York.
