NORFOLK, Va. - The Norfolk State bowling team moved up to 10^th in the latest National Tenpin Coaches Association (NTCA) top-20 media poll released this week, tying for the best national ranking ever for the Spartan bowling program.

NSU was ranked 12^th in the previous media poll released in February but inched into the top 10 after capturing its first-ever MEAC Championship on March 18 at Gate City Lanes in Greensboro, N.C. The Spartans are also ranked 10^th in the latest NTCA coaches poll released two weeks ago.

The Spartans compiled 145 points in the voting done by various media members and sports information directors, finishing ahead of No. 11 Stephen F. Austin which garnered 132 points. With 188 points, Sam Houston State ranked ninth in the poll.

The Spartans ended the season with a 91-40 record, shattering the previous school record for wins in a season of 67. Wilhelmenia Harrison was named the MEAC Coach of the Year, while sophomore Thea Aspiras and senior Chelsea Krall earned spots on the All-MEAC first and second team, respectively.

Along with NSU, MEAC schools UMES (No. 7) and Delaware State (No. 14) also earned a spot in the top-20 poll. Fairleigh Dickinson stayed in the No. 1 spot with 13 of the 15 first-place votes. Arkansas State, Nebraska, Vanderbilt and Valparaiso and Central Missouri rounded out the top 5, with Valparaiso and Central Missouri tying for the fifth spot.

The final media poll of the season will be released following the NCAA Championship April 12-14 in Wickliffe, Ohio.