Delaware State senior Kalyn Washburn has been honored by the NCAA as the recipient of the first-ever Elite 88 Award for women's college bowling.

The award was presented during the NCAA National Collegiate Women's Bowling Championship Banquet yesterday evening. Jan Gentry, NCAA Assistant Director of Championships, announced the award.

The Elite 88, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The Elite 88 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's 88 championships.

Washburn, an English major, has a 4.0 cumulative grade-point-average.

Also during the NCAA Championship banquet, Delaware State's Angela Reynolds was named to the National Tenpins Coaches Association All-America Third Team, while DSU's Adriana Jaime earned Honorable Mention recognition.

The 2010 NCAA National Collegiate Women's Bowling Championship begins with qualifying round action on Thursday in North Brunswick, N.J.

Delaware State is making its second straight NCAA Tournament appearance. The Hornets won two matches before falling to eventual champ Nebraska in the 2009 tournament.

The double-elimination tournament continues with match play on Friday. The championship match is set for Saturday evening, and will be televised live on ESPNU.

DSU is ranked fifth in the latest NCTA Top 20 poll.

In addition to the Hornets, the 2010 NCAA Tournament field includes Arkansas State, Central Missouri, Fairleigh Dickinson, Maryland-Eastern Shore, Nebraska, New Jersey City and Vanderbilt.