MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Alabama State returns to action for the first time since November 19, traveling to Arkansas State for the Mid-Winter Classic beginning Friday in Jonesboro (Ark.).
 
Alabama State (27-11) enters the tournament following a third place finish in the Hornet Classic, hosted in Montgomery in mid-November, and are ranked 22nd in the country according to the National Tenpin Coaches Association. The Lady Hornets have competed in three tournaments this season, and finished as high as second at the Sonic Boom Invitational in their second tournament of the year.
 
The Lady Hornets will face several nationally-ranked opponents this weekend at the Mid-Winter Classic, including the top five teams in the nation. Defending national champion and second-ranked McKendree, along with top-ranked Nebraska and third-ranked (host) Arkansas State will be at the tournament.
 
The tournament also includes fourth-ranked Vanderbilt, fifth-ranked Sam Houston State, seventh-ranked Stephen F. Austin, 11th-ranked Central Missouri, 14th-ranked UAB, 19th-ranked Louisiana Tech, 20th-ranked Maryville and 23rd-ranked Lincoln Memorial. Other teams participating this weekend include Alabama A&M, Drury, Grambling State Jackson State, Lincoln (Mo.), Texas Southern and Valparaiso.
 
The format for the tournament will stay the same as the previous three tournaments this season. The opening day will feature Baker play with total pins, with day two featuring traditional play. The final day will be match play with a best of seven Baker match. The current season's NCAA playing rules will be used for competition and any tied matches will be broken using the NCAA modified Baker format.
 
The tournament begins Friday and runs through Sunday.
 
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