STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Spring Arbor University (Mich.) won a back-and-forth championship match, but did so in dominant fashion in the seventh and deciding game, beating Concordia University (Mich.) to claim the 2025 NAIA Women’s Bowling National Championship in Sterling Heights, Mich.

The 2025 women’s bowling championship marks Spring Arbor’s first Red Banner in the sport, as the Cougars collected 268 pins in the seventh game, winning the game and the match 268-180. The Cougars capped off an impressive tournament run, winning five straight matches and only losing one on their way to claiming the national title. Concordia University (Mich.) would finish the national tournament as runners up.

Spring Arbor started the championship match by taking the first game 190-151, but Concordia answered back with a 203-179 win in the second game to tie the series 1-1. Spring Arbor regained the lead with a 213-168 victory in the third game, but Concordia struck back in the fourth game, winning 227-247 to even things up at 2-2.

Concordia maintained their momentum, claiming a 181-156 win in the fifth game and getting just one game away from the title. Spring Arbor, however, refused to back down, winning the sixth game 191-170 to force a decisive game seven.

ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM & MVP

After three days of intense competition, five players were honored as members of the 2025 NAIA Women’s Bowling All-Tournament Team: Lara Kurt of SCAD Savannah (Ga.), Jaelle Hamman of Mount Mercy (Iowa), Brooke Binder of Concordia, Devon Thomas of Spring Arbor, and Kayla Tafanelli of Spring Arbor. In addition to this recognition, Kayla Tafanelli was also named the tournament MVP for her outstanding performance throughout the event.