BIRMINGHAM, Ala. | The Alabama A&M University bowling team landed the fifth seed as they prepare for the 2026 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Women's Bowling Tournament, set to be held Friday through Sunday at the International Bowling Training and Research Center (ITRC) located in Arlington, Texas.
 
The three-day event features the leagues' top six teams at the conclusion of regular season play. 
 
Alabama A&M concluded conference action at 14-14. The Bulldogs were led by Rose Ugbinada and Michele Westmoreland, who received SWAC Second Team honors. Ugbinada played in 28 matches during the SWAC East and West Regionals, logging 5,170 pins. She averaged a 184.6 pinfall, while rolling nine 200-plus games, including posting a high of 269. Westmoreland also played in 28 matches, recording 5,135 pins and averaging a 183.3 pinfall. She rolled seven 200-plus games, including a high of 244.

2026 SWAC Regular Season Champion Jackson State enters the tournament as the No. 1 seed (24-4). Texas Southern claimed the No. 2 seed (19-9) while Alabama State claimed the No. 3 seed (17-11) in the tournament followed by No. 4 seed Southern (15-13). Florida A&M (13-15) rounded out the field as the sixth seed.
 
The Bulldogs will begin tournament play at 9 a.m. on Friday against Southern, and the winner will advance to quarterfinals at 1 p.m. against top seed Jackson State. The loser will fall into the elimination bracket and bowl at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

The following format will be used during the event:
 
Friday/Saturday/Sunday (Mega Match Format: Best-of-three) – Double Elimination
 
1. Five-person team match
2. Baker Total Pinfall
3. Best-of-seven Baker match play
 
Sunday (Championship Day) – Single Elimination

Best-of-seven
 
Tie-Breaker Format – During the tournament matches, the modified baker roll-off shall be used as the tie-breaking method.

Tournament action scheduled for Friday and Saturday will be available for free live on Bowl TV. The championship match will be stream live on SWAC TV. Fans and spectators will be permitted to attend the event and admission will be free to the general public.
 
For complete coverage of Alabama A&M Athletics – Huntsville's only Division I program - check out the official homepage at www.aamusports.com. Remember to follow us on social media: Instagram (@aamuathletics), Facebook (aamubulldogathletics), Twitter (@_aamuathletics) and TikTok (aamuathletics).