ALTOONA, Pa. – The No. 11 Saint Francis bowling team had its work cut out for it on Sunday, sitting in fourth place as the day began and needing to sweep its three matches in order to win the Red Flash Invitational at Holiday Bowl. Well, that's exactly what happened as SFU claimed the tournament title by defeating three nationally-ranked teams in a row.
 
In the best-of-seven Baker format, Ashley Howe-Yorio (Greensburg, Pa./Hempfield Area) led the Red Flash with a 20.1 Baker frame average for the day and a 19.04 Baker frame average for the weekend. Sarah Ross (Crescent, Pa./Moon Area) averaged 18.7 for the day. As is the case for any winning team, many more team members stepped up in key situations. Annie Beliles (Verona, Pa./Penn Hills) threw eight strikes – including four of her final five shots – in the championship match, and Christina Leid (Ephrata, Pa./Ephrata) made a 4-9 split in the seventh frame of game seven in the championship match.
 
"It was by far our best day of teamwork and energy and some super shot making," Red Flash bowling boss Tom Falbo said. "The ladies never let anything bother them and worked so well together to construct solid games and to respond to turn games in their favor. They rose to the occasion and I'm proud of their effort."
 
Ross earned All-Tournament honors at the Red Flash Invitational by averaging 195.8 for five traditional games bowled in Saturday's competition.
 
"Sarah's game is getting better as time progresses," Falbo said. "She is an impact player and it's great to see her receive honors for her fine performance."
 
The Red Flash's next stop is Dover, DE at the Capital Classic next weekend.
 
Sunday's Best-of-Seven Results 
Match 1
No. 11 SFU  4
No. 14 Delaware State 3
 
Match 2
No. 11 SFU 4
No. 19 LIU Brooklyn 1
 
Match 3 – Championship Match
No. 11 SFU 4
No. 9 Kutztown 3