INDIANAPOLIS – The NCAA Women's Bowling Committee announced on Thursday that Maryville women's bowling will take on Youngstown State in the opening round of the 2023 National Collegiate Women's Bowling Championship. The Saints will travel to the Lansing, Mich., Region, joining Vanderbilt, Carthage, and their first matchup Youngstown State.
 
All regionals are double elimination except for the play-in match at the five-team regional which will be single elimination. Each round will consist of teams competing in a best-of-three match format, bowled in the following order: five-person team match; Baker total pinfall; and best-of-seven Baker match play. Regional competition will conclude with one team from each regional bracket advancing to compete in the championship. The champion will be determined using a best-of-seven Baker match play. The championship final will air at 9 p.m. Eastern time, Saturday, April 15 on ESPNU.
 
The Saints finished the regular season at 90-40, earning a pair of second-place finishes at the Valpo Bowling Classic and the Flyer Classic. They additionally qualified for the ITC Championships after an impressive outing in Addison, Ill., before taking third at the Great Lakes Valley Conference tournament last weekend in Lockport, Ill.
 
"I am extremely proud of the adversity these girls have faced and overcome during this season," said Head Women's Bowling Coach Lauren Pate. "The moment I was hired, they opened their arms with trust and committed to the process of a coaching change, along with a change of coaching styles. The moment I heard Maryville called I couldn't help but smile. Their hard work and dedication are what got them here – and I believe we aren't done yet. We still have work to do and each day they show up for one another and fight for one another. I am so proud to represent Maryville and to watch these seven athletes chase after their dreams."
 
The 2023 National Collegiate Women's Bowling Championship will have regional competition at four predetermined sites from April 6-8. The winner of each regional will advance to the NCAA Championship. The championship matches will be played April 14-15 at South Point Bowling Plaza in Las Vegas, Nevada. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority are the hosts.
 
For more information about the National Collegiate Women's Bowling Championship, log on to www.ncaa.com.