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MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama State University women’s bowling team opens its 2025–26 campaign this weekend at the Destination Orlando Bowling Tournament, hosted by Sacred Heart University. The three-day event runs October 24–26 at AMF Sky Lanes in Orlando, Florida.
The Hornets begin their new season against one of the most competitive fields in collegiate bowling, featuring 24 teams from across the country. The tournament includes perennial national contenders such as Nebraska, Vanderbilt, Wichita State, Maryville, Arkansas State, and Duquesne, along with several fellow HBCU programs, including Prairie View A&M, Texas Southern, Florida A&M, and Alabama A&M.
Competition will include traditional team games, Baker total pinfall matches, and match play bracket rounds. Teams will bowl on AMF HPL synthetic lanes using the Kegel Red oil pattern with a 40-foot modified pattern distance, ensuring a challenging and consistent lane condition throughout the event.
“We’re excited to start the season against such strong competition,” Alabama State head coach Andrew Chatmon said.. “Destination Orlando provides a great early test for our team and an opportunity to gauge where we are as we begin the year.”
Olivia Millers, Jenna Knight and Nikia Thomas are the three returnees from the 2024-25 team that captured the SWAC Regular Season crown and placed third in the SWAC Tournament in Arlington, Texas.
The newcomers are Taylor Lee and Nevaeh Williams. Lee from Levittown, New York where she had several top two finishes during her prep bowling career. illiams is a four-time ECC Bowler of the Year and All-ECC First-Team selection from Cincinnati, Ohio. She was a 2025 Junior Gold Qualifier and a 2024 All-Ohio Team Honorable Mention. Williams was the 2025 Individual Tournament Champion, 2024 Halloween Classic Champion, 2024 Thanksgiving Classic Champion, and 2023 State Pepsi Champion. She is a four-time team MVP.
The Hornets look to build on last season’s success, where they posted multiple top-five finishes and advanced deep into SWAC competition. Key returners and newcomers alike will aim to make an early statement on the national stage.
Tournament Quick Facts
Event: Destination Orlando Bowling Tournament
Host: Sacred Heart University
Dates: October 24–26, 2025
Location: AMF Sky Lanes, Orlando, Fla.
Lanes: 1–32 | Lane Surface: AMF HPL Synthetic
Format: Traditional Team | Baker Total Pinfall | Match Play
UP NEXT: Alabama State at the KAT Clash hosted by Sam Houston State in Houston, Texas.