Courtesy: NAIA Sports Information
LANSING, Mich. - Pikeville (Ky.) is the 2026 NAIA Women's Bowling National Champion, claiming the Red Banner in a rematch, reversing the fortune of its last title-match appearance two years ago by beating SCAD Savannah (Ga.) at Royal Scot in Lansing, Mich., March 21.
SCAD Savannah had intentions set on a fourth championship in the last five seasons and claimed a narrow middle set, but Pikeville was poised to convert in its second championship match appearance in school history, in the best-of-seven closer. The Bears accomplished, stopping a dramatic run for SCAD that included not only the slim second-set win but also a late-night Friday victory and another early Saturday to reach the final. Entering the 2026 final, SCAD Savannah had been 4-0 in four previous championship-match appearances.
The championship match began with the traditional singles game, where Pikeville established an early lead by posting a team total of 996 to SCAD Savannah’s 922. Brianna Rogers led the Bears with a strong 222, followed closely by Cierra Gabriel with a 216 as well as Katarina Hagler with a 200. The Bees were paced by Paristyn Mendones, who turned in the highest score of the round with a 224. Carly Zuklin added a solid 213, but lower scores at the bottom of the lineup allowed Pikeville to claim the first point.
SCAD Savannah refused to go down without a fight in the five-game Baker set. The Bees found their rhythm, totaling 1034 to edge out Pikeville’s 974. SCAD closed the set with their two highest games, a 212 and a 225, to secure the pinfall point and tie the Mega Match at 1-1. Pikeville remained steady with high games of 220 and 222, but they could not match the late-set scoring explosion from the Bees.
With the National Championship hanging in the balance, the match moved to a best-of-seven Baker matchplay. Pikeville’s experience shone through as they dominated the session, winning the point 3-1 to secure the 2-1 Mega Match victory. Pikeville swept through four straight games, including a nail-biting one-pin victory in Game 2 (212-211), to clinch the title.