GLEN ALLEN, Va. (November 2, 2019) – The Howard University Women's Bowling Team had a phenomenal start at the Virginia Union University (VUU) Invitational, hosted by the Lady Panthers, where they sit second overall in the standings with a chance to win the tournament title.
 
Friday (Nov. 1), HU began the event with five sets of baker style matches. After suffering back-to-back tough losses against Chestnut Hill College (855-938) and tournament leader Wilmington (Del.) University (813-832), the Bison regrouped and found their groove.
 
Howard wrapped up day one sitting in second place with only one pin out of first, thanks to three straight wins against conference rivals Coppin State University (956-849) and Norfolk State University (893-813) and recurring opponent Mount Aloysius College (884-676).
 
Saturday (Nov. 2), the Bison took part in five traditional style matches where they went a perfect 4-0 on the day.
 
Second-year bowler Jahnia Phillips (Elmont, N.Y.) rolled a 185 to guide HU to a 902-784 victory over No. 24 Mount St. Mary's University. Fellow classmate Jayla Webster (Woodbridge, Va.) shined in the win over Fayetteville State University (904-802), recording an impressive 193.
 
HU's momentum continued where they dominated Virginia State University (911-675) and knocked off tournament host VUU (893-709), despite a tough outing during the bye.
 
"Our bye match really hurt us," said Howard junior captain Carolyn Williams. "We knew that going into the last match of the day. We bowled on a difficult pair and we were never able to get ahead of the transition. We wanted to go into the final match of the day at least giving ourselves a chance to bowl for the title."
 
Chicago native sophomore Janae Bradford rolled a 203 in the victory over Virginia Union.
 
Howard wrapped up day two with just enough to finish in second place for a chance at the title.
 
Williams (Glen Burnie, Md.) and lone senior Tea Lewis (Chesterfield, Va.) were named to the VUU Invitational All-Tournament Team. Both Bison finished top 5 in the individual standings. Lewis placed second with a 189.4 average while the Maryland product took fourth overall, producing a 188.0 mark.
 
HU returns to the lanes for three best-of-seven matches Sunday (Nov. 3) at Bowl America Short Pump to close out the tournament.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.