by Denton Postlewait
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO — Arkansas State’s Women’s Bowling may be the best team in Jonesboro.

A-State picked up its first title in Dallas at the Prairie View A&M Invitational Feb. 3. The Red Wolves knocked off SEC foe Vanderbilt University 4-2 (171-130, 213-176, 194-189, 182-161, 181-167, 223-216). Prior to the win, A-State finished sixth and third, respectively in the fall semester. Since then, they bowled for the championship in four of the last five tournaments. At the most recent tournament in Dallas, the Red Wolves took sixth place. 

 A-State returned only three athletes after finishing fifth at the NCAA Championships in St. Louis last season. With such a high turnover rate, head coach Justin Kostick said it took some time for the team to mesh.

“As the season has gone on, we’ve gotten better and better and better and better. I’ve had a new team this year. I have seven new players and only three returning,” he said. “It took us a little while to get going.”

Sophomore Leah Glazer of Henderson, Nevada, said the team grew together and gathered momentum heading into the home stretch of the season.

“It’s motivating to know that with such a young team we are able to accomplish so much,” she said. “I have no doubt that we will be bowling for a national championship.”

Julia Huren, a junior from Westlake, Michigan, said the work the team puts in outside of scheduled practice sets them apart.

“We work really hard,” she said. “Even when we don’t have practice, we come in on our own and put the time in. That’s going to pay off in the long run and at nationals.”

A-State Bowling will compete in two tournaments to close the regular season: March 1-3 in Lincoln, Nebraska and March 15-17 in Symara, Tennessee. Following these tournaments, A-State will travel back to Dallas for the Southland Bowling League Championships March 22-24 and then to the NCAA Tournament in Cleveland, Ohio on April 11-13.

To stay up to date with all things A-State Bowling, go to www.astateredwolves.com, click on the Sports Tab and select “Bowling” under Women’s Sports.

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Editor’s Note: Featured photo shows head coach Justin Kostick (center, right) and assistant coach Tanner Seal (center, left) look on while the team practices. The Red Wolves practice at Hijinx Family Entertainment Center. (photo by Denton Postlewait)