Despite a disappointing weekend in Jonesboro, Ark., the Alabama State bowling team looks to rebound on Friday, January 18 at 1 p.m. when they travel to Baton Rouge, La. to compete in the Southwestern Athletic Conference West Round-Up at the All-Star Lanes.
 
“We realize that a target is on our backs, because of the ranking,” Head Coach Andrew Chatmon said. “The girls are pretty focused. I tried to explain to them this week in practice, that as we targeted teams before, now we're the target. They understand this and they are doing the necessary things to get refocused, maintain their ranking, and help move the team forward.”
 
The Lady Hornets (18-20) placed twelfth this past weekend during the Mid-Winter Classic. The 16-team field tournament saw ASU drop eleven of its 13 matches played.
 
“Our expectation for this weekend is to go down there and bowl well,” said Chatmon. We need to bowl clean games, maintain our focus, and make sure we are prepared mentally as well as physically. Being that we only have five girls, our strength and conditioning will be a huge factor in our success as the weekend progresses.”
 
Alabama State played fairly well last season in the SWAC West Roundup, finishing (8-6) on the weekend and took second place in the Eastern division.
 
“Actually, our expectations are rather high, being that we did so well last year and we have what we think a better team this year. So yes, our expectations are high, but expectations aren't wins and losses.”
 
The Lady Hornets were led by then freshman bowler Danielle Walker with a weekend average of 192.8. Individually, Walker was ranked second among all bowlers in both average and total pins with 2,699. She continues to lead ASU bowling in total pins and average for the season.