Lone Star Conference women's basketball teams spent Thursday morning giving back to the Bartlesville community as part of the championship week experience at the 2009 Conference Championship.

• Click here to see photos of the event
  

      All eight teams that qualified for the championship participated in a bowling party for local special education students at the Red Apple Bowling Center in Bartlesville, Okla.

      "The bowling event is just a great example of the outstanding partnership that has been formed between the Conference and the Bartlesville community. This event was a highlight of last year's tournament, but I think this year's version was even more successful. I was so proud of our women's teams. All eight teams participated, even the ones who had been eliminated from the tournament the day before. That just shows the priorities that our teams have set and the commitment they have to engaging the community. I'm also so grateful to the Red Apple Center for helping to make this opportunity possible, plus the Bartlesville Public Schools for their cooperation in planning the event."

      The players got the chance to make a positive impact on the children and gave them a memorable experience filled with plenty of smiles, encouragement, laughter, and of course - high fives.

      "I really enjoyed myself this morning knowing that all eight women's teams came out and supported the kids," said Texas A&M-Commerce 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.

      "It was a fun and enjoyable experience," said A&M-C 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.