READING, Pa. (Nov. 10, 2012) - Following the first day of the first Northeast Conference bowling meet of the season, the Saint Francis University bowling team compiled a 3-2 record to begin play.

"Going 3-2 in this conference is a good day. Sure, we would have liked to have a couple of shots go different for us, but we kept our confidence up which allowed us to perform like we did all day, and especially at the end of the day," head coach Tom Falbo said. "That last game was so strong, which is a testament to these ladies who are great competitors. When you match this type of ability with total team energy, the chances of success significantly increase. We need to carry this forward tomorrow against a good field we will face."

Saturday's opening round of action consisted of five traditional matches for SFU. The Red Flash compiled the highest team pinfall of the day at 5,129 but sit in a tie for third in the standings with the 3-2 record. Kutztown was perfect on the afternoon, going 5-0 to open the conference portion of their schedule. St. Francis (NY) finished second on Saturday, bringing in a 4-1 mark. Saint Francis enters Sunday's final round tied with both Fairleigh Dickinson and LIU Brooklyn.


Match five was a program record team game with the 1,236, which is a 247.2 average per bowler.  In that game, Heidi Baumert (Lincoln, Neb./Pius X) had a 257, Christina Leid (Ephrata, Pa./Ephrata) 268, Sarah Ross (Crescent, Pa./Moon Area) 204, Ashley Howe 209 and Marissa Matassa (Plum, Pa./Plum Senior) had the first 11 strikes in a row and went for a perfect 300 games on her last shot. She got an eight count, leaving the 6-10 for a 298 game.

At the time of this release all individual scores had not been added yet but will be posted when they become available.

"Heidi was strong all day and her last game saw her get very comfortable with a new ball which works well when the lanes break down, and it was great to see," Falbo said. "Christina always keeps her focus and attitude on the team first and wanting to contribute. She had a great look in a deep line that last game and was on fire with it. Marissa continues her patience as she sharpens her game over time. She was in the right ball, right line, right speed and kept the pedal to the floor. She averaged 248 the last three games. In her 298 game, he last ball was well thrown and with a touch more speed would have found pocket for sure."

NEC #1 was originally scheduled to be held in Bradley Beach, N.J. and hosted by Monmouth. However because of the destruction of the New Jersey area caused by Hurricane Sandy, the event was moved to Reading and hosted by Kutztown. Monmouth will welcome in teams for the second NEC meet in February.

Saint Francis will conclude the meet tomorrow morning beginning at 9 a.m. with four traditional matches against Sacred Heart, Kutztown, LIU Brooklyn and Adelphi.