Feb. 7, 2008

DURHAM, NC - As North Carolina Central University continues its transition in Division I, the women's bowling team will be adding to the list of historical firsts.

On Friday, Feb. 8, the squad will be flying to Tallahassee, Florida to participate in the fourth annual Releaser's NCAA Bowling Invitational hosted by Florida A&M University this weekend. This is the first year the team will be participating in this competition, and one of three flights scheduled for this season.

"This is FAMU's fourth annual tournament and NCCU's first time participating," NCCU head bowling coach Karen Sanford stated. "We're looking forward to this opportunity and the opportunities to come."

The team as a whole is excited for the upcoming trip. "We're excited to not be taking this trip on a school van," jokes freshman Elizabeth Schuster. "Out of all of the states we will be traveling to, the Florida trip is the one we are most excited about."

Sanford looks forward to taking the team on a tour of FAMU's campus, while the team is excited about the possibility of some down time at the beaches. Freshman bowler LaTia Blacknell will be flying for the first time. When asked if her team gave her any advice, she said the classic tips were given. Bring gum to pop your ears, and if you have to, scream to relieve some of the anxiety. "I'm just a little nervous," said Blacknell.

The Lady Eagles are currently 4-29 in their first season of Division I competition, but they won three matches in their last outing. "I think we are improving as a team compared to last season," said senior bowler Jabria Buntyn.

The team will also be flying to Alabama A&M for the Holiday Classic on March 1-2, and to Vanderbilt University for the Music City Classic on March 15-16.

For more information regarding NCCU athletics, visit www.NCCUEaglePride.com.

(written by Nicole Mitchell, Sports Information Graduate Assistant)