LANSING, MI – The Fayetteville State bowling team will open postseason play at the NCAA Bowling Regional Tournament in Lansing, MI, against Carroll (WI) University in a play-in match on Thursday, April 2, at 9:00 a.m. The winner will advance to face No. 1 Jacksonville State later in regional competition on Thursday, April 3.
Head Coach Bobby Henderson and seniors Paige Rockwell and Ericka Reed addressed the media during the Pre‑Regional press conference.
Coach Henderson emphasized the team's steady growth and the importance of maintaining focus in a high‑pressure tournament setting.
"This group has continued to improve throughout the season, and our mindset heading into regionals is about trusting our preparation and staying locked in frame by frame," Henderson said (paraphrased).
Senior standout Paige Rockwell spoke about leadership and communication, noting the importance of staying composed and supporting one another during momentum swings.
"Our experience helps us stay calm and connected as a team, especially in moments when every shot matters," Rockwell said (paraphrased).
Fellow senior Ericka Reed echoed that mindset, highlighting the importance of confidence and mental toughness as the Broncos enter postseason play.
"We're focused on executing what we know how to do and competing with confidence, no matter who we're facing," Reed said (paraphrased).
Fayetteville State enters regional action with a confident, disciplined approach, leaning on senior leadership and consistent execution as the Broncos prepare for the challenge posed by Carroll University.
The opening-round matchup at the five-team regional sites will be single elimination, while the remainder of the regional tournament will follow a double-elimination format. Each round will be contested in a best-of-three match format, bowled in the following order: five-person team game, Baker total pinfall, and best-of-seven Baker match play.
Regional competition will conclude with one team from each regional advancing to the NCAA Championship. The national champion will be decided by a best-of-seven Baker match play, with the championship match airing on ESPNU at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time on Saturday, April 11.
Fans can watch Thursday's play-in match live on BowlTV at https://www.bowltv.com/. The broadcast is free to watch, with registration required.
