The Bowie State University women’s bowling team will enter the 2026–27 season as the projected second-place team in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). Alongside the team’s high expectations, junior Arianna Clayton has earned a spot on the conference’s Preseason All-Conference Team.
Fayetteville State University was selected as the preseason favorite. Clayton was one of seven student-athletes named to the preseason team after earning All-CIAA recognition following her 2025–26 sophomore campaign.
Arianna Clayton earns preseason recognition
Clayton finished eighth in the CIAA during the 2025–26 season with a 176.60 traditional average. The Dundalk, Md., native recorded a season-high 266 during the CIAA Round-Up and posted scores of 228 at the Garden State Classic, 226 at the Coppin State Invitational, and 211 at CIAA North/South Event I.
She also played a key role in Bowie State’s run to the 2026 CIAA Championship match. Clayton opened the tournament with 186 pinfalls against Shaw University, contributing to a 2-0 Bowie State victory.
Bowie State advances to CIAA championship match
Under first-year head coach Tubar Thompson, Bowie State reached the championship match for the first time and finished as the tournament runner-up. The Bulldogs were selected second in the preseason order behind Fayetteville State University.
The remaining teams listed in the preseason order are Virginia State University, Shaw University, Livingstone College, Elizabeth City State University, and Virginia Union University. The preseason All-Conference Team also includes Nicole Sarko and Janari Aiken of Fayetteville State University; Janaya Ward and Rylie Banks of Virginia State University; Stephanie Smith of Elizabeth City State University; and Anela Trites of Virginia Union University.
Virginia Union Invitational opens 2026–27 season
Bowie State is scheduled to open its 2026–27 season at the Virginia Union Invitational in Midlothian, Va., hosted by Virginia Union University. The event runs Friday, Oct. 30, through Sunday, Nov. 1.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Bowie State University women’s bowling team enters the new season with the CIAA’s second preseason position and a returning All-CIAA performer in Clayton. Her 176.60 traditional average, season-high 266, and several other 200-plus scores support her selection to the preseason All-Conference Team.
The Bulldogs’ appearance in the 2026 CIAA Championship match gives the team verified postseason context heading into the Virginia Union Invitational. Fayetteville State University holds the top preseason position, with Bowie State selected second.
Source: Original report
