BOWIE, Md. – Coming off a notable 2025–26 campaign that saw the Bowie State women's bowling team advance to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Championship match, the Bulldogs have been selected to finish second in the 2026–27 CIAA Women's Bowling Predicted Order of Finish, the conference announced Thursday.
In addition to the preseason poll, Bowie State junior Arianna Clayton was selected to the 2026–27 CIAA Preseason All-Conference Team, earning recognition among the conference's top returning bowlers. Clayton was one of seven student-athletes selected to the preseason team and returns following an impressive sophomore campaign that earned her All-CIAA recognition.
Clayton enters the 2026–27 season looking to build upon a standout 2025–26 campaign in which she finished eighth in the CIAA with a 176.60 traditional average. She recorded several impressive performances throughout the season, including a season-high 266 during the CIAA Round-Up. Clayton also posted a 228 at the Garden State Classic, 226 at the Coppin State Invitational and 211 at CIAA North/South Event I. Her consistent production helped establish her as one of the Bulldogs' top performers and earned her a spot among the conference's best.
The Dundalk, Md., native also played a pivotal role in Bowie State's significant run to the 2026 CIAA Championship match. During the tournament, Clayton opened competition with a team-high 186 pinfalls against Shaw University, helping the Bulldogs advance with a 2-0 victory. Bowie State went on to defeat several higher-seeded opponents before reaching the championship match for the first time under head coach Tubar Thompson, ultimately finishing as the tournament runner-up.
The Bulldogs enter the new campaign looking to build on that postseason success and challenge for the conference title. Fayetteville State University was selected as the preseason favorite, while Virginia State University, Shaw University, Livingstone College, Elizabeth City State University, and Virginia Union University followed BSU to round out the top seven preseason rankings.
Bowie State opens its 2026–27 campaign this weekend at the Virginia Union Invitational, hosted by Virginia Union University in Midlothian, Va. The three-day competition runs Friday, Oct. 30, through Sunday, Nov. 1, providing the Bulldogs their first opportunity to build momentum heading into the new season.
2026–27 CIAA Women's Bowling Predicted Order of Finish
- Fayetteville State University
- Bowie State University
- Virginia State University
- Shaw University
- Livingstone College
- Elizabeth City State University
- Virginia Union University
2026–27 CIAA Women's Bowling Preseason All-Conference Team
- Nicole Sarko – Fayetteville State University
- Janari Aiken – Fayetteville State University
- Arianna Clayton – Bowie State University
- Janaya Ward – Virginia State University
- Rylie Banks – Virginia State University
- Stephanie Smith – Elizabeth City State University
- Anela Trites – Virginia Union University
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sport teams, visit BSUBulldogs.com and follow the Bulldogs on social media.
