CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Fresh off another conference championship and NCAA postseason appearance, the Fayetteville State University women's bowling team has been selected as the preseason favorite in the 2026 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Bowling Predicted Order of Finish, the conference announced Thursday as it prepares to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the CIAA Bowling Championship.
The Broncos enter the 2026-27 season as the defending CIAA champions after capturing their fourth consecutive conference title last season and earning a berth in the NCAA Women's Bowling Championship Regional Play-In. Fayetteville State also continued its dominance of the conference by reaching its 10th consecutive CIAA Championship match.
The Broncos also led all programs with two selections to the 2026 CIAA Preseason All-Conference Team. Senior Nicole Sarko and senior Janari Aiken earned preseason recognition after helping guide Fayetteville State to another championship season.
Sarko played a key role throughout last year's postseason run and led the Broncos in the NCAA Regional Play-In against Carroll University with a team-high score of 190 in traditional play. Aiken also delivered a strong postseason performance and was a critical contributor to Fayetteville State's championship lineup throughout the season.
Last season, Fayetteville State completed a perfect 48-0 regular season and carried that momentum into the CIAA Championship. The Broncos defeated Virginia Union, Bowie State, and Elizabeth City State on their way to the title before defeating Bowie State, 4-2, in the championship match.
Following its conference championship, Fayetteville State advanced to the NCAA Women's Bowling Championship Regional Play-In, where the Broncos faced Carroll University. The postseason appearance marked another milestone for a program that continues to establish itself among the region's elite.
Under the leadership of head coach Bobby Henderson, Fayetteville State begins the 2026-27 campaign this weekend at the Virginia Union Invitational in Midlothian, Va., hosted by Virginia Union University. Competition begins Friday, Oct. 30, and continues through Sunday, Nov. 1.
Fans can follow the match through FSUBroncos.com and by following @FSUBroncos on social media.
2026 CIAA 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 CIAA 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
