The Tulane Green Wave women’s bowling team, ranked No. 17 and seeded 11th, defeated defending national champion Youngstown State on March 19 to advance in the Conference USA Championship at Colonial Lanes in Harahan, Louisiana.
This victory marks Tulane’s first win over Youngstown State in the tournament and continues their streak of earning a win in each of the three CUSA Championships since the league began sponsoring bowling during the 2023-24 season.
The match was closely contested throughout. Tulane fell behind early after Youngstown State posted a score of 949 to Tulane’s 844 in the traditional match, with Mia Stolakis leading Tulane by scoring 225. The Green Wave responded strongly in the Baker match, outscoring Youngstown State 1,042-898 by consistently posting scores above 200 in four consecutive games. With both teams tied after two rounds, a best-of-seven Baker match was required to determine who would advance.
Youngstown State took an early lead but Tulane rallied back, eventually forcing a decisive seventh game. In a tense finish, Stolakis delivered the winning shot for Tulane as they edged out Youngstown State 198-193.
Tulane will next face Sam Houston, seeded eighth and ranked ninth nationally, with their mega-match scheduled for tomorrow morning. If victorious, Tulane will play again later that afternoon against either Jacksonville State or Nebraska.
