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BIRMINGHAM - The Prairie View A&M Lady Panthers did it to Alabama A&M again. Not only did the defending champions battle their way back through the elimination bracket to earn the right to defend their title, they came from behind twice to beat Alabama A&M to claim their second consecutive SWAC Bowling title. A trimmed version of the 6 1/2 marathon will be aired tape delayed on ESPNU on April 2 at 8:30 p.m. CT.
Photo by Padraic Major
PVAM came into the day in the same spot as they were in 2012, having to beat top-seeded A&M twice, after the Lady Bulldogs rolled through the rounds on Saturday. In the first match, PVAM started well, blowing past A&M 231-175. But, after the red-hot start, PVAM struggled in the next three games. The Lady Bulldogs capitalized, posting 154-150, 179-173 and 171-147 wins.
It looked like A&M was on their way to a third SWAC title, however, PVAM wasn't done. The Lady Panthers exploded for another 200+ game and took a 222-144 win. PVAM also outshot A&M in the sixth game 168-158 to force a deciding game.
It was a battle of attrition as both teams struggled to close frames. But, the match came down to the final frame, with PVAM leading. However, A&M junior anchor Camille Collins was up with a chance to win the match. She needed a pair of strikes and a nine count. The first shot cleaned house, but the second missed the pocket and PVAM came away with a 151-143 win, forcing a deciding match.
Prairie View was flat in the first two games, scoring 157 in the opener and 122 in game two. Once again, Alabama A&M had a two game lead after winning 160-157 and 170-122. But, like A&M did in the first match, PVAM roared back to win the next three games 189-170, 201-133 and 166-154. The Lady Bulldogs fought off elimination in game six, edging PVAM 202-191.
In the final, winner-take-all game, both reams roared out of the gates. PVAM had a four-bagger to open the game. However, A&M remained steady, keeping the lanes clear of open frames.
The door of opportunity swung open for A&M off of an open by PVAM. When it got to the 10th frame, Collins stood on the approach with a chance to put the Lady Bulldogs in front and put all of the pressure on PVAM freshman Ashle Reid. Collins responded with a strike and a spare, giving the Lady Bulldogs a slim lead.
Reid had been solid all day, despite bowling with a bum knee. She stepped to the line and with the house virtually silent, calmly nailed a strike, giving PVAM the title.