FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Following its fifth Northeast Conference Championship, the Sacred Heart University women's bowling team is set for its eighth NCAA Tournament appearance. The Pioneers will face conference foe Fairleigh Dickinson in the opening round of the Rochester Regional on Friday at 9 a.m. 
 
Roberts Wesleyan College will serve as the host of the event, which will take place at Bowl-A-Roll Lanes in Rochester, N.Y. The winner of the Pioneers and Knights gets the winner of defending national champions Nebraska and Wilmington (Del). 
 
SHU earned the league's automatic bid by defeating LIU, 2-0, in the tournament finals. The Pioneers only dropped one point during the NEC summit as they started with a 2-0 win over the Sharks in the quarterfinals then defeated Mount St. Mary's, 2-1, in the semifinals.
 
Sacred Heart looks to continue its decorated season after placing four Pioneers on the All-NEC list, including a Rookie of the Year and Coach of the Year nod. In addition, SHU earned three All-Tournament selections which were highlighted by sophomore Paige Donovan as Tournament MVP.  
 
At the NEC Tournament, Donovan emerged as one of SHU's biggest threats. Her breakout performance helped guide the Pioneers to an undefeated tournament run as she led the league in multiple categories. Donovan posted the top baker frame average at 24.17 and averaged 9.56 in first ball attempts. She also finished second overall with a 23.00 overall frame average. 
 
The Pioneers post a deep roster with Rookie of the Year Rachel Glowniak, First Team All-NEC and All-Tournament selection Hannah Manetta, All-Rookie and All-Tournament honoree Nancy Kohut and Second Team All-NEC Colby Jones. 
 
Friday marks the sixth time SHU and FDU will go head-to-head this season. The Pioneers hold a 3-2 advantage after falling in a tight one-point decision during baker play, 985-984, in the final NEC competition of the regular season. 
 
Both the regional and the championship rounds are double-elimination, with each round consisting of a best-of-three match that includes the use of three game formats – baker total pin fall, five-person team match and a best-of-seven baker match play. 
 
For more NCAA Tournament information and a full look at the bracket, click HERE.