CLEVELAND – The National Collegiate Bowling Championship Four-Team Final kicked off Friday morning at Yorktown Lanes in Cleveland, Ohio. All four teams in the final represent Conference USA including Jacksonville State, Vanderbilt, Arkansas State and Wichita State. Following both matches on the day, the Gamecocks were able to claim their spot in the championship for a third consecutive year.
 
For the second season in a row, Jax State was matched with Wichita State in the opening round of the four-team final. To open tournament play, the Gamecocks were able to come out on top once again with a 2-0 (1,165-1,049, 1,198-1,162) sweep over their opponent.
 
Competing on the other lanes were Vanderbilt and Arkansas State. The Commodores took both games for the 2-0 (1018-910, 1168-964) victory, advancing to match three to face Jax State. With the loss, the Red Wolves were sent to the elimination match against Wichita State.
 
Following a break in competition, the Shockers hit an early rhythm to start off the elimination match. They took control of the competition early, winning the traditional point 1,162-949. Momentum only picked up from there as Wichita State claimed the Baker point 1,188-1,030, winning the match and moving on to tomorrow’s round three to take on the loser of match three.
 
The loss to Wichita State meant the end of Arkansas State’s championship run.
 
In the third match, Jax State faced off against Vanderbilt in a battle to a secure spot in tomorrow’s championship. The Gamecocks, still fired up from the opening round, rolled their way to a dominant win over Vanderbilt. They took the traditional point 1,139-1,119, then finished the match with the Baker point after hitting 1,188-981. The Commodores will prepare to battle Wichita State for a place in the championship.
 
Tomorrow’s action will pick back up at 9 a.m. ET. The winner of match five will advance to the championship match set for 6:30 p.m. ET. The championship will be played in a Baker best of seven format and will air live on ESPNU.