CHESAPEAKE, Va. (10/22/17)-The Morgan State Lady Bears' bowling team opened the 2017-18 season earning their first championship of the year this past weekend in The Hampton Roads Intercollegiate Tournament.
 
On Saturday Morgan State went 2-1 in the Individual team match play by defeating Bowie State and newcomer Belmont Abbey, before losing to host Norfolk State. The Lady Bears performed well in the individual matches behind juniors Kiersten Bateman and Katherine Clouse. Bateman lead the field with an average of 190 pins, which earned top spot on the all-tournament team, while Clouse, who had a 186 average, garnered the fourth-place slot on the all-tournament team.
 
In Saturday's baker matches the Lady Bears again went 2-1 with Norfolk State again being their only loss.
 
On Sunday morning an apparently sleepy team lost in a close match to Bowie State. They then bounced back with a victory over Belmont Abbey and closed out the day with their championship clinching victory over Norfolk State.
 
The Lady Bears posted a record of 6-3 and won the event by leading in total pins. They were able to outlast Norfolk State on Sunday to secure their first place trophy.
 
Morgan State's next bowling competition will be Friday, Oct. 27 at the Wildcat Invitational in Orlando, Fla. hosted by Bethune-Cookman.