GARDEN CITY, N.Y. (Feb. 23, 2013) - The Saint Francis U bowling team competed at the first day of the ECAC Singles Championship on Saturday.

Saturday's format was singles play with a total of 66 players competing over four games, with the top-16 making the championship bracket round play.

The Red Flash represented 25 percent of the field by placing four team members in the top-16. Heidi Baumert (Lincoln, Neb./Pius X) placed 16th with a four game total of 727. She lost to first seed Erica Schneider of Adelphi in the first round by a score of 235-192.

"Heidi threw great shots the entire game and was very focused," head coach Tom Falbo said. "She could have scored much higher in that game with any kind of pin carry."

Lauren Johnson (Lincoln, Neb./Lincoln Southeast) placed 12th with a four game total of 734. She fell in the first round against fifith seed Kristina Porter of Adelphi by a score of 180-175.

"Lauren was in control of herself and her game all day," Falbo said. "In her bracket round match it came down to one frame being the difference."

Christina Leid (Ephrata, Pa./Ephrata) and Ashley Howe faced each other in the first round. Howe was seeded 13th with a total pinfall of 730 and Leid was seeded fourth with a total pinfall of 773. Howe edged out Leid 181-180. Howe entered bracket play with a strong fourth game. Leid was consistent and confident in the four qualifying games.

"The match was very close at the end," Falbo said. "Ashley battled back from the fifth frame and Christina threw a good shot in the 10th frame leaving an unexpected pocket split. Christina bowled well and should feel good about her performance."

Howe bowled strong round of eight, beating Kristina Porter of AU, 217-187, then lost in the semi-final match to Erica Schneider of AU, 203-189. Howe then bowled in the consolation match against Christina Gordon of Kutztown, falling 178-144, securing her fourth place spot.

"Today was Ashley's mental game strengthening as the day went on," Falbo said. "Her match with Christina could have went either way, but from there she made the most of it in the round of eight bowling really well to advance. In the semi-final match it again came down to one frame making the difference. That's what makes singles play so exciting. Congratulations to her on a fine performance."

Brittney Hart of LIU won the tournament defeating Erica Schneider of AU in the championship match.

Saint Francis continues play at ECAC's on Sunday with five quad-baker matches with one additional position round, with total pins being the tournament winner.