KUTZTOWN, PA (October 29, 2009) – The Kutztown University women’s bowling team team was picked to finish second in the Northeast Conference preseason coaches poll released Wednesday, Oct. 28.

The Golden Bears finished 2008-09 season with a 98-54 record, and won the NEC regular season title with a 15-3 record. The Golden Bears also finished as the runner-ups at the NEC Championship tournament, falling to Farleigh Dickinson 4-0 in the title match. Kutztown ended the year ranked 11^th in the final National Tenpins Coaches Association (NTCA) poll.

Kutztown was picked behind Farleigh Dickinson, who was selected to finish first with six votes. Kutztown received two first-place votes.

Following Kutztown is New Jersey City, the newest associate member of the NEC who was picked third.

Sacred Heart was picked fourth and Adelphi was selected fifth to round up the top five teams. St. Francis, (No. 6) Saint Peter’s (No. 7) and Long Island (No. 8) round out the remainder of the preseason picks.

Kutztown returns five key members and adds six freshman to its roster.

Sophomore Kayla Jones (Johnstown/Westmont Hilltop) leads a talented group of returning bowlers. Jones was named the 2008-09 NCAA Division II Rookie of the Year, Northeast Conference (NEC) Rookie of the Year and Bowler of the Year by the National Tenpins Coaches Association. Jones, who averaged a 193.7, was also named to the NTCA All-America second team.

Stephanie Ray (West Lawn/Wilson) (second team NEC Conference), Kayla Stamm (Mohnton/Governor Mifflin) (2009 NEC Conference Championships All Tournament Team, 2007-08 National Division II Rookie of the Year), and Chelsea Adam (Reading/Exeter) (NEC & NTCA Academic All-American) return to provide terrific depth and experience. Stamm and Ray are original members of the first KU bowling team.

Kutztown opened its season last weekend by hosting the Kutztown Fall Baker Invite and compiling a 4-1 record. The Golden Bears opened up the day with an 870-793 win over Penn State-Altoona, followed by a 900-874 loss to dual champion St. Francis. KU pulled out a 954-919 win against Adelphi before dismantling Cheyney 902-566. The final match was the Golden Bears closest one, a 901-878 victory over St. Peters.

The Golden Bears return to action this weekend, when they travel to Farleigh Dickinson for the three-day Fright Night Invite.

--KU--