On Wednesday,the three-time Southwestern Athletic Conference Champions Southern UniversityLady Jaguars bowling team will be in Houston to join seven other national teamsfor the first NCAA Collegiate Bowling Championship.
Texas SouthernUniversity and the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority will co-host thechampionship, which will be held April 8-10 at the Emerald Bowl in Houston.
“This ishistory in the making,” said Karen Couvillion, head coach of the SU bowlingteam, during a radio show interview on Saturday. “This is great for us and thisis great for Southern.”
The Lady Jagsdefeated Alcorn State University in February 5311 pins to 4665 pins to wintheir third straight SWAC title. Led by senior and team captain ReynikaTillery, Southern claimed six positions on the 2004 All-SWAC Bowling Team andthen held six positions on the 2004 SWAC Bowling All-Tournament Team.
Tillery endedher final season as a Jaguar bowler with an average of 178.2 in 37 games.Freshman Sarah Circle led the all-tournament team with most valuable playerhonors. Her season average of 200.8 in 45 games was the highest in the SWAC.
Other Jagbowlers include sophomores Erin Williams (192 average) and Crystal Alexander(181.3), along with seniors Lindsey Stewart (188.3) and last season’s standoutLeigh Buickerood (184.6). “This team is really a special group,” Couvillionsaid. “I’ve had some good teams before, but these girls are really special.”
In Houston,the team will be competing against Central Missouri State University, FairleighDickinson University, Metropolitan Campus, University of Maryland-EasternShore, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, New Jersey City University, Sacred HeartUniversity and Winston-Salem State University.
According tothe NCAA, based on the pinfall ofthe qualifying round, the teams will be placed in a double-elimination bracket.Teams will compete against each other in a best-of-seven Baker-style bowlingcompetition.
Tickets forthe championship can be purchased at Emerald Bowl or by calling (713) 313-4337.For more information on the NCAA Bowling Championship, log on to www.ncasssports.com.
