Feb. 12, 2008

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The Jackson State Lady Tigers bowling team traveled to Tallahassee this weekend and captured first place in the Releasers Invitational hosted by Florida A&M University.

The Lady Tigers had a rocky start on day one but managed to end with a 4-1 record. JSU defeated South Carolina State, North Carolina Central, North Carolina A&T and Bethune-Cookman.

JSU's only loss on day one was to Fayetteville State. These matches consisted of best of seven baker games.

On day two the Lady Tigers went undefeated, with a 5-0 record. JSU defeated Florida A&M, South Carolina State, North Carolina A&T, LA Tech and Bethune-Cookman. The format for day two was five person team games.

Going into day three the Lady Tigers had a lead of 150 pins and had five more matches to play. JSU swept all teams, except LA Tech, losing that match by seven pins. After the 4th match JSU had position round and the Lady Tigers were still seeded No. 1, going up 291 pins. JSU played No. 2 seed Fayetteville State and won the match and the tournament.

Individually, Ashley Blakley made 1st position on the All-Tournament team with a 190 average and a high game of 212. Krystal Crumedy was named MVP for the Lady Tigers with a high game of 230.

"We struggled and struggled with the difficult pattern that was laid out for us to bowl on," said JSU head coach Vick Boykins. "But I told the ladies to keep sparing and hitting their mark and we could win this tournament. It's all about teamwork when one bowler is not bowling so well there are four others who can pick up the slack. Although there were no top-ranked schools in this tournament, this win has boosted the team's confidence level and should help them be positive on the road to the SWAC Championship."