MILLSBORO, Del. - The Saint Francis Red Flash women's bowling team went 1-2 in Sunday's best-of-7 baker format and finished in sixth place in the UMES Hawk Class in Millsboro, Del.
 
The Flash was the highest finishing NEC team in the event. Along the way in Sunday's action, SFU defeated conference rival Fairleigh Dickinson in the second match.
 
Ashley Howe-Yorio (Greensburg, Pa./Hempfield Area) led the Red Flash with a 20.7 for the weekend's baker action. Sarah Littleton (Round Lake Beach, Ill./Grayslake North) continued her strong baker play with a 19.5 baker frame average for the weekend. Shelby Derr (Sunbury, Pa./Shikellamy) and Sarah Ross (Crescent, Pa./Moon Area) followed with averages of 18.82 and 18.73, respectively. Kyra Udziela (Lemont, Ill./Lemont) averaged 17.69 for the weekend in baker play. Haley Carroll (Williamsville, N.Y./Williamsville South) averaged 18.83 for the day and 16.95 in baker for the weekend.
 
MATCH RESULTS:
UMES: 4 (188, 193, 167, 201, 176, 223)
Saint Francis:2 (179, 180, 198, 199, 178, 193)
 
This match was a close contest the entire time with each game in the match coming down to one or two shots to determine the outcome. In the sixth game, SFU hit the pocket 10 shots outta 10, but could get the pin fall to catch the Hawks, which also threw a strong game to close out the match.
 
Saint Francis:4 (213, 201, 155, 162, 217, 208, 225)
Fairleigh Dickinson:3 (184, 223, 214, 199, 175, 190, 204)
 
SFU came back from being down 3-1, using their patience and adapted to the lanes finding the right look, good shot making and carry to win the last three games, taking the match 4-3 against the No. 2 team in the nation.
 
Monmouth:4 (176, 247, 187, 181, 202, 214)
Saint Francis:2 (179, 181, 173, 239, 135, 178)
 
SFU found the look and the execution in Game 4, throwing a 239 to even the match and having the apparent momentum. However, the Red Flash consistency quickly waned in Game 4, while Monmouth bowled well in taking Game 5 and 6 to secure the win.
 
"It comes down to consistency and mindset. This team reads lanes well and can shape shots. They are getting better each week at communication and even bowling to their potential. But we can't pick and choose when that happens. With the parody across the boards, it's going to be interesting to see how the championship selection goes this year. Anything can happen so we have a lot to play for the second half. Our focus has to be consistency and commitment to excellence to all times," said head coach Tom Falbo.
 
The Red Flash has off for the holiday break, returning to action next on Jan. 25-27 in Reading for the Kutztown Invitational.