MECHANICSVILLE, VA (March 22, 2026) – Fayetteville State capped off a dominant weekend with a 4-2 victory over Bowie State in the championship match to claim the 2026 CIAA Women’s Bowling Championship at Bowlero Bowling.
Competing in a best of seven Baker format, the Broncos secured the title with a strong and composed performance, closing out the match to complete an undefeated run through the championship.
The victory marks Fayetteville State’s fourth consecutive CIAA Women’s Bowling Championship and its 10th straight appearance in the title match, continuing one of the most dominant stretches in conference history.
Fayetteville State entered the tournament as the top seed following a perfect 48-0 regular season and carried that momentum throughout the weekend. The Broncos opened with a 2-0 win over Virginia Union before defeating Bowie State in winners bracket play to take early control.
On day two, Fayetteville State secured its place in the championship with a 2-0 win over Elizabeth City State, remaining undefeated and earning a direct path to the final.
Bowie State reached the championship through the elimination bracket after falling to Fayetteville State earlier in the tournament. The Bulldogs responded with wins over Livingstone and Virginia State before sweeping Elizabeth City State in the semifinal to earn a rematch.
In the championship, Bowie State battled to extend the series, but Fayetteville State’s depth and consistency proved decisive as the Broncos secured the 4-2 victory to seal the title.
Senior Paige Rockwell was named Championship Most Valuable Player following another standout performance, leading Fayetteville State’s effort throughout the tournament and playing a key role in the program’s continued success.
Individual performances throughout the championship were also recognized with the announcement of the All-Tournament Team, highlighting standout efforts across the field. Fayetteville State led all programs with three selections, reflecting its dominance throughout the weekend.
Freshman Hannah Cunningham paced all honorees with a 177.67 average across championship play, while Rockwell and fellow senior Ericka Reed delivered consistent scoring to anchor the Broncos’ title run.
Shaw’s Brooke Smith earned recognition for her steady performance in early round competition, and Virginia State’s Janaya Ward recorded the highest total pinfall among honorees with 673 pins, showcasing her impact across multiple matches.
All-Tournament Team
- Hannah Cunningham, Fayetteville State (Fr.)
- Paige Rockwell, Fayetteville State (Sr.)
- Ericka Reed, Fayetteville State (Sr.)
- Brooke Smith, Shaw (Sr.)
- Janaya Ward, Virginia State (Jr.)
Media Contact
Anna M. Butzlaff
Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
abutzlaff@theciaa.com
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first, and longest running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.