HANRAHAN, La. – North Carolina A&T bowling opened the season with an impressive showing at the 2023 Colonial Classic hosted by Tulane University at Colonial Lanes on Friday. The Aggies totaled 5,260 pins to take first place after the first day. The Aggies went 4-1 in Baker format play, averaging 210.4 pins per contest. 

A&T, ranked fourth in the National Tenpin Coaches Association (NTCA) poll, had its only setback on Friday come at the hands of a familiar NCAA tournament opponent in No. 10 Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs defeated the Aggies 1,018-1,001. 

But the Aggies recovered to defeat No. 8 Sam Houston State University (SHSU). It was the only game the Aggies failed to post a better than 1,000 total pinfall. The Aggies defeated the Bearkats 985-943. The Aggies took care of No. 5 Stephen F. Austin next with a 1,043-960 win. The Aggies improved to 3-1 on the day with a 1,135-896 win over Jackson State. They closed out the day with a 1,096-956 win over Texas Southern. 

Louisiana Tech went 5-0 on the day and had the second-highest total pinfall with 5,159. Twenty-second ranked Tulane posted 4,959 total pinfall, followed by Oklahoma Christian (4,928) and SHSU (4,870) in the top-5. 

The Aggies begin traditional play on Saturday with Alabama A&M, followed by Tulane, Oklahoma Christian, No. 12 Maryland Eastern Shore, and Florida A&M.