Eckhoff repeats as ISC champion

Emil Williams
USBC Communications
Published: May 10, 2016 | Bowl.com

WICHITA, Kan. – Hastings junior Emily Eckhoff became the first player in Intercollegiate Singles Championships history to repeat as champion as she won the women’s singles title for the second consecutive year at Northrock Lanes.

Eckhoff etched her name into the tournament’s record book by defeating Fairleigh Dickinson’s Morgan Brown in an exciting championship match, 227-222. The finals aired nationally on CBS Sports Network.

The men’s singles finals will air May 17 at 9 p.m. Eastern on CBS Sports Network. The Intercollegiate Team Championships women’s show will air May 24 at 10 p.m. Eastern, while the men’s show will air June 4 at noon Eastern. To locate CBS Sports Network on your cable or satellite provider, click here.

In contrast to last year’s victory, Eckhoff had to come from behind to repeat.

Brown could have doubled in the 10th frame to shut out Eckhoff, but she only was able to strike on her first offering. Eckhoff, who made a ball change earlier in the game, calmly doubled in the final stanza to capture her second consecutive ISC crown.

“This is the greatest feeling ever,” said Eckhoff, who was selected as a National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association Second Team All-American. “I knew I needed to come out aggressive, especially after making a ball change. Once I made that ball change, I knew I needed to throw the best shots of my life. And, I accomplished it this time. This is the greatest feeling ever, and I’m still shocked by it.”

Eckhoff earned her spot in the finals by defeating Webber International’s Tawni Vollmer, 208-188, in the semifinals, while Brown bested Stephen F. Austin’s Stephanie Schwartz in the other semifinal, 210-162.