NEC ROOKIE OF THE WEEK

Kelsey Hackbart, DUQUESNE
Fr., Right, Bristol, PA/Harry S Truman

Hackbart anchored Duquesne's lineup for the duration of the Dukes' first-ever NCAA competition. Opening their inaugural season at Kutztown's Bud Whitman Memorial Invitational, the Hackbart-led Dukes posted a 7-3 record that includes victories over some well-established programs. The right-handed rookie averaged 19.54 pins per frame over the course of the two-day event, which was comprised of baker play on Saturday followed by traditional team matches Sunday. Filling frames at an 84 percent clip, Hackbart threw a team-high 44 strikes in 100 attempts and converted 22 of 23 single-pin spare opportunities. The freshman was exceptionally effective during Sunday's traditional team play competition. En-route to securing a spot on the All-Tournament Team, Hackbart posted a 213.0 traditional game average as the Dukes won four of five matches. Her 246 high game helped Duquesne to an 877-841 win over MEAC member Howard. She threw a 228 in a win over Franklin Pierce and her 210-pin performance spearheaded a runaway victory over No. 17 Kutztown.