(RICHMOND, Va.)  Bowie State University women's bowling competed against some of the top teams in the country and placed sixth overall at the Virginia Union University Invitational.

The field included four nationally-ranked teams in the preseason NTCA Coaches Top 20 Poll – Fairleigh Dickinson University (3rd), University of Central Missouri (4th), Sacred Heart University (9th) and Adelphi University (11th).

On the first day of Baker System competition, BSU's Lady Bulldogs had a tough time, winning their first match of the day against Virginia Union (674-504) before falling to Central Missouri (578-790), Fairleigh Dickinson (579-805), Sacred Heart (596-728) and Adelphi (575-685).

Bowie State rebounded on day two, ending the day with a 3-1 record.  The Lady Bulldogs defeated Cheyney University (700-656), but lost to Elizabeth City State (686-834).  BSU had little trouble with Chowan University, beating the Hawks (785-509) and edged Virginia State University (774-734).

Freshman Ambrianna Bankston led the Lady Bulldogs with 804 total pins (160.8 average) and junior Quinn Armstrong tallied 728 total pins (145.6 average). 

Armstrong was selected as the CIAA Bowler of the Month for November, averaging 186.70.  Freshman Shayla Lightfoot ranks second in conference average (186.70) and was also honored by the CIAA as Rookie of the Month.

During Sunday's Baker System, the Lady Bulldogs took down Saint Augustine's College (965-854) and Cheyney (982-920).  However, conference foe Elizabeth City State defeated Bowie State for the second straight time over the weekend event, squeezing by BSU by a score of 1062-1045.

Central Missouri captured first place while Sacred Heart was second and Fairleigh Dickinson was third overall.

Bowie State is currently in second place in the CIAA Northern Division with a conference record of 13-2.  The Lady Bulldogs are off until hosting the Fred Underwood Lady Bulldogs Classic – January 20th-22nd at the AMF Laurel Lanes.