Alabama State wins 2020 TNBA-HBCU Invitational

FOREST PARK, Ga. - The Alabama State women capped their weekend with a bracket victory Sunday at the TNBA/HBCU Invitational.

The event was hosted by Fun Time Bowl and sponsored by The National Bowling Association (TNBA). The tournament brought together 16 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to compete over three days in Forest Park, Georgia.

The format consisted of five five-game Baker sets Friday, five traditional games Saturday and three rounds of best-of-seven Baker matches Sunday. Combined pinfall from Friday and Saturday's rounds determined seeding for Sunday's bracket play.

All rounds of the 2020 event were broadcast live at BowlTV.com.

Alabama State took the early advantage Friday, building nearly a 250-pin lead on the field, but struggled Saturday, falling into second place in the overall standings during the final game to Florida A&M, which finished qualifying with a 9,445 total. Alabama State posted a 9,396 score.

Sunday's opening round of bracket play featured Florida A&M against Alabama State, with Florida A&M sweeping the Hornets to earn its spot in the title match, 4-0.

With the loss, Alabama State dropped in the bracket and was matched up against defending champion Jackson State in the second round, with the winner advancing to face Florida A&M for the title. Alabama State recorded a 4-3 victory set up a second match with the Rattlers.

After exchanging wins in the first two games of the title tilt, Alabama State regained the edge in Game 3 (170-158) and never looked back, claiming Games 4 and 5 (198-187, 218-181) to record the victory, 4-1.

In addition to the trophy, teams were competing to improve their overall records for the season, which helps determine the teams that will qualify for the 2020 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Bowling Championships, being held in the Detroit area from April 10-11.

Alabama State finished the weekend with a 12-1 record, while Florida A&M went 11-2.

Individually, three Florida A&M student-athletes tied for the top spot with a 999 total for five games (a 199.8 average). Demetria Bethel, Chelsie Cleaves and Bethany Noel each helped the Rattlers to the top qualifying position, and they were joined in the top five by Coppin State's Kaylah Castillo (993) and Texas Southern's Summer Salak (980).