Delaware State University’s bowling team has reached an all-time high in the latest National Tenpins Coaches Association (NTCA) Top 20 poll, released today. The Hornets have jumped to No. 4 in the first NTCA poll of the 2008-09 regular season. Delaware State was No. 9 in the preseason poll released in October. 

DSU’s previous high in the poll was No. 8 in November 2007. 

The Hornets are 46-15 so far this season. The Hornets are 20-6 in regular team play and 26-9 in Baker scoring matches. 

“It speaks well of our program to be ranked this high because there are so many strong teams around the country,” said Delaware State’s second-year head bowling coach and touring professional Kim Terrell-Kearney. “The poll provides great recognition for our team, but we must continue to prove ourselves each week.”

Vanderbilt University is No. 1 in the latest NTCA poll. The Commodores, 36-5 this season, were second in the pre-season poll. Nebraska (30-9) has jumped from No. 3 to No. 2, while Fairleigh Dickinson improved four spots to No. 3.

Vanderbilt collected 18 of 20 first-place votes, while Nebraska received the other two.

Defending NCAA champion Maryland-Eastern Shore (46-15) slipped to No. 5 after placing first in the preseason poll.

DSU, Maryland-Eastern Shore and No. 17 Morgan State are the only Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference teams in the latest NTCA poll, the first of five scheduled for the 2008-09 regular season.   

The Delaware State bowling team will return to action Jan. 16 at the three-day Arkansas State Tournament in Little Rock, Ark.