Aug. 20, 2009

Courtesy of UMES Athletics

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore's (UMES) Maria
Rodriguez (Ibague Tolima, Colombia) and Paula Vilas (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic)
recently bowled in the 2009 WTBA World Women's Championships held in Las Vegas, Nev.
They competed against some of the best women bowlers in the world and had some outstanding
performances.

Rodriguez, a member of the Columbian National team, had one such performance, as she bowled
a perfect game in the fourth game of doubles play.  The 300 game is only the fourth bowled in the
history of the event.  She averaged a 210.5 for the block her 300 appeared in and saw her duo (she
was partnered with Alejandra Mora) finish 44th out of 108 pairs.

The video of her game can be seen on YouTube (www.youtube.com) by searching Maria
Rodriguez 300 game.

She averaged a 186.50 in the singles event, a 190.33 in trios (her team was 23rd out of 68 trios)
and had a 202.00 team average.  Her team was 13th out of 35 teams.  Rodriguez also got the
opportunity to bowl with countrywoman Clara Guerrero, formerly of Wichita State University,
who went on to win the All-Events title and the Master's gold medal.

Vilas, a member of the Dominican Republic National team, averaged a 208.50 in the singles
competition.  She was 41st in the 228 person field, topping such stars as former Delaware State
University coach Kim Terrell-Kearney who was 133rd.

Vilas posted a 203.83 doubles average, but combined with her partner's 169 average, they
finished just 75th out of 108 teams. She posted a 196.50 trios average, good for 26th overall and a
197.83 team average.  Her country of the Dominican Republic was 20th overall.  Her best game
came in the sixth match of doubles play with a score of 269.

Among a field of 228 international bowlers, Vilas placed 64th with an overall average of 201.7
while Rodriguez was 92nd with an overall singles average of 197.3.  The field included women of
all ages and backgrounds and included many professional bowlers.

"This was such an amazing showing," said UMES Head Coach Sharon Brummell.  "I am proud
of how our team has competed on the world stage.  Maria and Paula were brilliant and Martha
Perez won the All-Events title in her home country this off season.  This kind of play will only
elevate their games and make them bettered prepared for our season."

UMES opens play October 31 at the FDU Fright Knight Invitational in Elmwood Park, N.J.