WILSON, N.C. – The Fayetteville State bowling team turned in a dominant opening weekend performance, finishing a perfect 11-0 to in the CIAA Event I hosted by Shaw University. The Broncos led the field from start to finish, showcasing one of the deepest lineups in the tournament.
Fayetteville State posted impressive team totals throughout traditional play, recording scores of 768, 771, 806, 827, and 738 on the opening day for a 3,910-pin total. The Broncos earned wins over Shaw, Elizabeth City State, Virginia Union, and Bluefield State to remain unbeaten through the first day of competition.
The Broncos elevated their performance on day two, rolling team scores of 800, 838, 870, 851, and 811 for a 4,170-pin total. Fayetteville State added victories over Livingstone, Virginia State, Shaw, Elizabeth City State, and Virginia Union to complete traditional play with a perfect 9-0 record.
Leading the way was Nicole Sarko, who was named CIAA Bowler of the Month after posting the tournament's highest average at 188.5 pins per game. Sarko also recorded the event's highest individual score with a 245 game and finished with 1,885 total pins across 10 games. She added scores of 214 and 213 to register three 200-plus games during the weekend.
Freshman Laniya Mitchell earned CIAA Rookie of the Month honors following an impressive collegiate debut. Mitchell averaged 157.9 pins over 10 games, totaling 1,579 pins and recording a high score of 220.
Bailey Matthews finished with 1,630 pins and a 163.0 average, highlighted by a 202 game. Janari Aiken averaged 159.2 and posted a high game of 213, while Kimberly Bornt contributed a 139.4 average to round out the Broncos' lineup.
The Broncos carried that momentum into Baker play on the final day. Fayetteville State defeated Bluefield State, 852-671, before earning a 755-645 victory over Livingstone to finish Baker competition with a 2-0 record.
Fayetteville State placed all five bowlers among the tournament's top 10 scoring averages, led by Sarko's event-leading 188.5 average. Matthews ranked second among Broncos at 163.0, followed by Aiken (159.2), Mitchell (157.9), and Bornt (139.4).
With an undefeated 11-0 record, a tournament championship, the event's top individual average, and the top rookie performance, the Broncos opened the season in impressive fashion and established themselves as an early contender in CIAA competition.
For complete coverage of Fayetteville State University Athletics, including schedules, results, and updates, visit FSUBroncos.com and follow the Broncos on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
