Women's Bowling | 2/27/2026 11:46:00 PM

GREENSBORO – One of North Carolina A&T's most successful varsity sports, the A&T bowling team, is providing a treat this weekend by allowing Aggie fans to see them in person.

The Aggies are hosting the eighth annual Vernell Stallings Invitational at Triad Lanes on 21 Oak Branch Drive in the Gate City. As tournament host, the Aggies, the 12th-ranked team in the latest National Tenpin Coaches Association (NTCA) Top 25 poll, invited some of the country's best collegiate bowling teams. That includes the nation's No. 1 team, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, and the NCAA defending national champion, the Youngstown State Penguins.

On Friday, the first day of the Stallings Invitational, the Aggies finished with the third-highest total pinfall at 4,839 to average 193.6 over 25 games played. The Aggies went 2-2 during Day 1, which was played in Baker play format. Jax State, sixth-ranked Nebraska and Youngstown State all finished 5-0 on the first day.

Jax State leads the way at the 21-team tournament with a total pinfall of 5,322, followed by the Nebraska Cornhuskers (5,266) and the Penguins (4,904).

A&T opened Friday's competition against the Penguins. Youngstown, the eighth-ranked team in the nation, defeated the Aggies 910-855. The Aggies recovered to beat the Prairie View A&M Panthers, 974-842. Alabama A&M delivered a setback to the Aggies, beating A&T 957-941. The Aggies came back with authority by posting a total pinfall of 1,050 to beat Belmont Abbey 1,050-857. The Aggies had a bye for their fifth Baker match.

They totaled a 1,019 total pinfall while having no opponent. Competition at the Stallings Invite continues Saturday. Traditional team matches begin at 8:25 a.m. at Triad Lanes. A&T will open Saturday's play against the Cornhuskers. They will then face Florida A&M, Saint Anslem College, Lewis University, and Jax State.