GLEN ALLEN, Va. – The Norfolk State bowling team began its 2018-19 season over the weekend at the Virginia Union Invitational at Bowl America Short Pump. The Spartans rebounded from a slow start to win a pair of matches on Sunday.
 
NSU finished the tournament 2-11 overall. A total of 20 teams competed at the event.
 
The Spartans earned Baker wins over Bowie State and Virginia State on Sunday in the bracket round. They won the last two games against Bowie State to earn a 4-3 victory in the best-of-7 series.
 
After a 4-1 loss to Fayetteville State, NSU closed out the tournament against VSU. After dropping the first two games, the Spartans won the next four for a 4-2 triumph.
 
On Friday in the opening round, NSU dropped all five matches. It started with a 771-704 setback to Mount Aloysius, followed by an 833-697 loss to Chestnut Hill. Later, the Spartans also succumbed to No. 12 Sacred Heart (932-812), No. 20 Duquesne (917-744) and Mount St. Mary's (892-742).
 
On Saturday in traditional play, junior Aubrey Conrad fell just short of her career high with a 234. That came in the third of five matches on the day. Her game came in a 938-818 loss to No. 9 Fairleigh Dickinson.
 
Earlier in the day, the Spartans dropped contests to St. Francis Brooklyn (951-751) and Wilmington (833-769). After the loss to FDU, NSU closed out the day with two more setbacks against New Jersey City (698-689) and No. 13 Saint Francis (Pa.) (863-690).
 
Conrad averaged 188.2 in all five games on Saturday. Senior Alexa Rodriguez posted a 172.6 average, and freshman Crystal Brewer finished at 170.6 in all five games as well.
 
Senior Tyrika Lee also competed in all five games, and freshmen Arieana Parker and Tiara Simms split time at the fifth position in the lineup as well.
 
Norfolk State will turn right around and compete in Dover, Delaware next weekend in the first of two MEAC meets this season that will determine the final conference standings.