The Bearkats triumph over Louisiana Tech in a thrilling match, advancing to the NCAA Championship for the first time in eight years.
Press Release from GoBearkats.com
ARLINGTON — Sam Houston got hot at the right moment and rolled unbeaten through the Arlington Regional Saturday at the International Training & Research Center to advance to the NCAA Championship.
The Bearkats downed Louisiana Tech in the regional finals in a 2-1 match to punch their ticket to the NCAA Championship for the first time since 2015.
Only one match was necessary for the Bearkats Saturday, as they took care of business on Friday, winning both of their matches against fellow Conference USA opponent Louisiana Tech and top-seeded North Carolina A&T to advance to the regional finals.
After the Bulldogs handed North Carolina A&T a loss in the consolation bracket early in the day, it was a CUSA showdown to advance to the championship.
Sam Houston started the match off slow, falling to Louisiana Tech by just 22 points in the five-person team game. The Kats picked it up, however, in the total pinfall match, getting a huge 41-pin victory from Katie Paris and a 39-pin victory from Stephanie McCoy to even up the score.
As the tournament turned over to the baker matches, the Bearkats exploded out of the gate, breezing through the first three games. Needing just one more win to take the regional, Noey Sarntong put the finishing touches on a 4-0 sweep to give the Kats the match.
Sam Houston will travel to the NCAA Championship Finals at Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park, Michigan from April 12-13 to face the winner of the Pittsburgh Regional. Matches will be streamed on ESPN+.
