LAS VEGAS, Nev. (4/13/23) – Among the final four teams in the National Collegiate Bowling Championship for the fifth time in program history, the third-seeded Arkansas State women's bowling team begins its quest for a first national championship Friday at 11 a.m. (CT) against Vanderbilt at South Point Bowling Plaza.
TOURNAMENT DETAILS
The 2023 National Collegiate Bowling Championship is a double-elimination tournament using Mega-Match format (traditional team game, 5-game Baker set and, if the teams split those, a best-of-seven Baker series). Friday's session takes place at 11 a.m. (CT) and 5 p.m. (CT) with Saturday's session at 11 a.m. (CT). The championship match, a best-of-seven Baker series, airs on ESPNU Saturday at 8 p.m. (CT).
THE FINAL FOUR STANDING
Each of the top four seeds in the NCAA Tournament this season advanced to Las Vegas. No. 1 McKendree will face No. 4 Nebraska while third-seeded A-State faces second-seeded Vanderbilt. A-State is combined 8-4 against the three teams, 2-0 against McKendree, 2-1 against Vanderbilt and 4-3 against Nebraska.
A-STATE IN THE NCAAs
The Red Wolves have appeared in 15 consecutive NCAA Tournaments, including the last 13 under head coach Justin Kostick. A-State is assured a top four finish for the fifth time in program history and is in search of its first national title. The Red Wolves have finished runner-up twice (2008, 2021), third (2010, 2013), fifth (2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018) and seventh (2009, 2019). In the first season with regional play, A-State was runner-up in the Lansing regional last year.
LIVESTREAM AND LIVE TELEVISION
All matches up to the championship final will be livestreamed on NCAA.com. The national championship match will be televised live by ESPNU at 8 p.m. (CT) Saturday.
Match 1: McKendree vs Nebraska | 11 a.m. (CT)
Match 2: Vanderbilt vs Arkansas State | 11 a.m. (CT)
Match 3: Winner Match 1 vs Winner Match 2 | 5 p.m. (CT)
Match 4: Loser Match 1 vs Loser Match 2 | 5 p.m. (CT)
Match 5: Loser Match 3 vs Winner Match 4 | 11 a.m. (CT)
Championship Match: Winner Match 3 vs Winner Match 5 | 8 p.m. (CT)
RED WOLVES WIN ROCHESTER REGIONAL
A-State advanced to Las Vegas behind a 3-0 performance at the regional championship in Rochester, N.Y. The Red Wolves opened with a 2-0 mega-match win over Sacred Heart and then downed North Carolina A&T 2-1 to advance to the championship match. A-State met North Carolina A&T once again and won 2-0 to advance to South Point Bowling Plaza.
ELITE 90 NOMINEE
The NCAA presents an award to the student-athlete at each national championship with the highest grade-point average. Emma Stull is this year's Arkansas State nominee carrying a 3.61 GPA in psychology.
BUCHANAN NAMED ALL-REGION
Brooklyn Buchanan was named Honorable Mention NTCA Central All-Region Team. Buchanan is part of the 16-person team. All-Americans will be announced Thursday evening at an awards dinner and program.
FOLLOW A-STATE BOWLING
For the latest news and updates on the Red Wolves in Las Vegas, follow A-State Bowling on Twitter (@AStateBowling), Facebook (/AStateBowling) and Instagram (@redwolvesbowling).
