Women's Bowling

BOWL: Wichita State Wins CUSA Championship After Forced Best-of-Seven Thriller

HARAHAN, La. – Conference USA’s newest bowling affiliate No. 4 Wichita State was crowned champions of the 2025 Conference USA Bowling Tournament at Colonial Lanes on Sunday. Despite Jax State’s diligent effort in the tournament, the Gamecocks fell short in an if-necessary Baker best-of-seven thriller.

After a first-round loss to No. 5 Arkansas State and falling into the contender’s bracket, No. 4 Wichita State battled their way through the tournament without discouragement. The Shockers won over No. 10 Valparaiso on Thursday, No. 9 Tulane on Friday morning, No. 3 Vanderbilt on Friday afternoon, came back to beat No. 5 A-State on Saturday morning and finally defeated No. 7 Sam Houston on Saturday afternoon, securing their spot in the championship match against Jax State.
 
Sunday began with Wichita State taking the first point in traditional play (1018-1004). Jacksonville State took the next point in Baker’s play (1105-1034), forcing a Baker best-of-seven round.
 
The Gamecocks and Shockers went back-and-forth in the best-of-seven. At the start of game six, the score was 3-2, in favor of Jax State. Wichita State won the sixth game of the best-of-seven, tying things up and sending both teams to game seven (3-3). Wichita State ultimately came back on top and won game 7, forcing an if-necessary best-of-seven match (Match 19).
 
Much like Match 18, Jax State and WSU made it to 3-3 at game six of Match 19’s best-of-seven round. Wichita State started the seventh game off strong with four strikes in the first four frames, however Jax State caught up, making three strikes in the middle of the game. The game ended with Wichita State securing the last couple frames, taking the championship game over Jax State. After today, the Shockers earned an automatic NCAA berth.

2025 CUSA All-Tournament Team
Most Valuable Bowler – Aleesha Oden, Wichita State
Mary Orf, Wichita State
Sara Duque Jimenez, Wichita State
Erin Klemencic, Jax State
Keira Magsam, Jax State
Denise Blankenzee, Sam Houston
 
Championship Results
Match 18 – No. 4 Wichita State 4 (1018-1034-4), No. 1 Jax State 3 (1004-1105-3)
Match 19 (if necessary, best-of-seven) – No. 4 Wichita State 4, No. 1 Jax State 3
  
Up Next
The bowling championship selection show will air on NCAA.com at 3 p.m. CT on Wednesday, March 26, ahead of regional matches in early April. The championships will then take place April 11-12 at Suncoast Bowling Center in Las Vegas.