P o st Se ason Succe ss th ro ugh th e Ye ars 2008-09 . . . A Gutsy Bunch of Athletes . . . In 2008-09, the team was going to have to win the title a completely different way – succeed without a dominant player. Gone were a four-time national player of the year and three starters who had led the team for several seasons. This squad would have plenty of experience with five seniors, but most of this year’s ladies were former role players with limited starting experience. The upperclassmen and a group of freshman were put into action immediately. Through lots of growing pains and hard work, UCM finished the season with a record of 84-36 and were led by All-American Senior Alyssa Surges and former NCAA Division II Freshman of the Year Jamie Mitchell. Central Missouri competed in the post-season with a renewed sense of purpose after likely being one of the last teams selected for the NCAA Championships. The squad battled through the early rounds with great energy and finished qualifying as the #6 seed. On Day 2, UCM began its bracket play with a 4-0 victory over 2008 Champion Maryland-Eastern Shore, but would fall in the second round to eventual semi-finalist Delaware State 1-4. However, the team rebounded quickly to defeat 2007 Champion and top-ranked Vanderbilt University 4-0 to advance to the national semi-finals. Fairleigh Dickinson University, the 2006 Champion, would be the Jennies’ next opponent. Central would defeat FDU 4-1 on Friday to advance and would defeat FDU again 4-2 on Championship Saturday for it’s fifth trip to the title match since 1998. Senior Allison Gerding-Scully makes a shot during the final match Photo by Megan Raymond
Even though the team played with tremendous heart throughout the Championships, UCM could not maintain it’s momentum and fell to top-seeded Nebraska (2-4) and finished as the National Runner-Up. For her outstanding efforts throughout the Championships, Theresa Christopher was selected to the Championships AllTournament Team.
Theresa Christopher celebrates a strike during the Championships. Photo by Megan Raymond
Above: The team reacts to a strike by senior Jamie Mitchell during Game 3. Right: The ladies celebrates their 2nd place finish. Photos by Megan Raymond (2), Matthey Mitchell
2004-05 . . . Different Cast, Same Incredible Performances. . . In each of the last two years, CMSU had lost four starters from their lineup due to graduation or personal issues. This season’s team would have to get it done with a young and very inexperienced cast – and they certainly exceeded expectations. The group completed the season using 2 to 4 freshmen and in the starting line-up. They finished the season with a record of 89-21 and were led by All-American sophomore Tina Peak and National Player and Freshman of the Year, Bryanna Caldwell. Senior Alecia Hefter, a 2004 All-American, rejoined the roster during the spring for the post-season run.
The Jennies congratulate Tina Peak for her perfect 300 game during the Championships Photo by Bob Badalucco
At the NCAA Championships, Central used its youthful talent to stay near the top of the leader board and finished as the #4 seed after qualifying. During this performance, Tina Peak again attained perfection by rolling a 300 game and became the only woman to ever shoot two 300s at the NCAA Championships. A first-round loss to New Jersey City University (2-4) in the double-elimination bracket would force Central Missouri to take a different path to the finals this year. (continued next page)
Above: Tina Peak, Jiovanna Bruce, Samantha Swanson, Bryanna Caldwell and other teammates celebrate a strike rolled during the semi-final rounds of the National Championships.
56 ~ 2011-12 UCM Jennies Bowling ~ 56
Photo by Bob Badalucco