Dover, Del. (Feb. 25, 2018) --- The Delaware State bowling team has achieved one of its top goals for the 2017-18 season.  The Hornets have clinched the MEAC North championship for the second year in a row after winning six of eight matches in the final division competition of the season this weekend.

The Hornets were 3-1 in regular team games and Baker matches to finish divisional play with a 20-4 record for the second consecutive season.

As Northern Division champ, Delaware State will be one of two No. 1 seeds in the 2018 MEAC Championship Tournament Mar. 23-25 in Chesapeake, Va.   

The Hornets defeated Coppin State (883-740), Morgan State (984-896) and UMES (930-922), and fell to Howard (847-915) in regular team play this weekend.

Chelsey Merklinger (sr.) was tops on the Hornets with a total pinfall of 760 in the four games (190.0 avg.), with a high score of 216 vs. Morgan State.

Alexis Neuer (so.) was second on the team with a four-game total of 730 (182.5 avg.), including a high of 222 vs. UMES, tops among DSU competitors this weekend.

In Baker play, Delaware State upended Howard (986-818), Coppin State (915-762) and Morgan State (861-857), and was defeated by UMES (887-937).

The Hornets are No. 6 in the latest National Tenpin Coaches Association Top 25 monthly poll, tying the second best ranking in team history. DSU's best showing was No. 3 in 2010.   

Delaware State is seeking its fourth MEAC championship in team history this season . The Hornets won the crown in 2009, 2010 and 2016.