Published: March 05, 2009 05:31 pm      

A&M-C WOMEN'S BASKETBALL BOWLS WITH BARTLESVILLE STUDENTS

It didn't matter what the final scores were on Thursday morning, because everyone finished with a perfect game at the Red Apple Bowling Center in Bartlesville, Okla.

The Texas A&M University-Commerce women's basketball team, along with the other seven participating teams in the Lone Star Conference Tournament women's bracket, hosted local special education students from around the area to a bowling party.

"I really enjoyed myself this morning knowing that all eight women's teams came out and supported the kids," said Lions senior forward Nola Taylor. "I am just happy that we as a team put a smile on all our kids faces."

Approximately 40 local students bowled with the student-athletes and coaches from about 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

According to the Lone Star Conference, the goal was "to make a positive impact on special education children in the Bartlesville community, and to help the special education students to have a memorable experience filled with plenty of smiles, encouragement, laughter and high fives."

"It was a fun and enjoyable experience," said Lions senior guard Britney Jordan. "It feels good to be able to give back and be appreciated. I think everyone really enjoyed bowling!

Each team controlled four lanes and the special education students and student-athletes teamed up for the memorable experience.

"Knowing they had fun and we impacted their life in a positive way is just amazing," said sophomore guard Genevieve Campbell. "What we did today is something that I'll never forget. I love being a part of something bigger than myself. It makes life worthwhile."

"It was fun," said sophomore guard Anisha Ingram. "There was nothing but smiles."

"It was amazing," added Taylor.

A&M-Commerce will return to action on Friday at 8:30 p.m. against Central Oklahoma at the Bruin Field House in Bartlesville.