North Boston, NY (June 13, 2023) - Alvernia University and the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) announced on Tuesday that the Alvernia University Women's Bowling program will join the AMCC as an affiliate member for sponsorship of Women's Bowling beginning in the 2023-24 academic year for Alvernia's inaugural season.

"I am grateful to Commissioner (Donna) Ledwin and the leadership of the AMCC for this opportunity," said Alvernia Director of Athletics Bill Stiles. "In addition to being the only Division III women's bowling conference in the east, many of the AMCC members share a similar mission and core values with Alvernia. Conference membership is critical to enhancing the student-athlete experience by providing opportunities for a championship experience and individual recognition. I believe this will be a mutually beneficial and successful partnership for many years to come."

Women's bowling became an AMCC championship sport in 2013-14, and became the first Division III conference to earn an automatic bid to the association-wide NCAA championship in the 2019 season. Alvernia is beginning women's bowling in the 2023-24 academic year and it will be Alvernia's 31st sport.

"Thank you Commissioner Ledwin and the AMCC for giving our bowlers an additional opportunity to showcase their talents by giving us a conference to compete in," said Alvernia Head Coach Kerry Smith. "Being able to have a championship experience, as well as individual recognition, will help these ladies grow not only as bowlers, but also in their everyday lives. I look forward to seeing what our pack does in the upcoming season!"

"The AMCC is excited to welcome Alvernia to our bowling family," said Commissioner Ledwin.  "Our goal is to do whatever we can to encourage more Division III members to add bowling to meet our goal of a separate Division III national championship.  We are now one step closer."

The AMCC full member institutions that sponsor women's bowling are Hilbert College, La Roche University, Mount Aloysius College, Penn State Altoona, Penn State Behrend, Pitt-Bradford and Pitt-Greensburg. Affiliate members include Alvernia, New Jersey City University, Saint Vincent College, and William Smith College. 

Alvernia's inaugural season will begin in early October. Stay with auwolves.com and Alvernia Athletics on social media for the most up to date information on Alvernia Women's Bowling and Alvernia Athletics.