SMYRNA, Tenn. (3/20/16) – The Arkansas State women's bowling squad claimed its first three-day tournament championship of the season as the team defeated McKendree twice to win the Columbia 300 Music City Classic Sunday at the Smyrna Bowling Center in Smyrna, Tenn.

The Red Wolves (76-30) began the day with a match against the second-seed, McKendree, and topped the Bearcats in three straight games (187-185, 191-178, and 198-193) before losing game four 209-155. However, A-State won a close game five 201-200 to clinch a trip to the championship match. The Red Wolves played Alabama A&M in a match that had no effect on the bracket and swept the Lady Bulldogs 4-0 (226-155, 229-113, 211-108, and 213-130).

McKendree defeated Nebraska 4-3 to earn a trip to the championship match for a rematch with Arkansas State. A-State topped the Bearcats 256-168 in game one before a McKendree 184-182 victory in game two evened things up. However, the Red Wolves won three straight games (229-195, 225-215, and 231-229) to claim the championship.

“This has been a long time coming for us,” A-State head women's bowling coach Justin Kostick said. “We've been close to winning a few this season, but it's nice to finally get a tournament title. It creates some momentum heading into the league championship and then into the NCAA Tournament.”

Jordan Richard was named the tournament's MVP after leading the field with 1,330 pins for a 221.67 per game average. Haley Richard was also named to the all-tournament team with a total pinfall of 1,244 (207.33 per game) that ranked fifth in the individual standings.

“Jordan is one of the best players in the country and she showed it at this tournament,” said Kostick. “She's a great competitor and definitely earned this. Haley is also a fantastic player and I'm proud of her. I'm really proud of the whole team, it took a team effort to win this one.”

Arkansas State resumes play next weekend (March 25-26) in the Southland Bowling League Championships in Kenner, La.

For the latest on the A-State women's bowling team, fans can follow the squad on Twitter (@stAtebowling) and by liking the Arkansas State Women's Bowling Facebook page.