Jax State took bronze in their 2025-26 debut at the Chelsea Gilliam Penguin Classic hosted by Youngstown State.
 
The Gamecocks built momentum during a big day on Saturday during traditional play by winning all five matches and going from third to first in the field in total pinfall. Following a 3-2 day in Baker play, Jax State averaged 1,104 per match during traditional play to go 5-0 with wins over No. 20 Wright State, Walsh, No. 21 Valparaiso, No. 12 Duquesne, and No. 3 Vanderbilt.
 
Annalise OBryant and Emma Yoder were named to the all-tournament team with both carrying averages north of 234. OBryant had a 234.8 average to finish second in the field with a best game of 278. Yoder was third in the field with a 234.4 average with a best game of 253.
 
In the bracket, the Gamecocks had an opportunity to avenge one of their two Baker losses with a first round match with second-seeded Nebraska. Jax State took the first game 206-163, but the Huskers took a 2-1 lead with 221-201 and 224-195 wins. The Gamecocks answered back in a big way, taking advantage of four open frames for a 233-148 win. The No. 2 team in the preseason poll responded with 213-172 and 216-157 wins to advance to the final.
 
The Gamecocks fell in six games to sixth-ranked Arkansas State to move to the third -place match. The Red Wolves took a 2-0 lead with 263-196 and 226-216 wins. Jax State got on the board with a 269-223 win in the third, but fell behind 3-1 after a 212-195 setback in the fourth. The top-ranked Red-and-White took the fifth 228-176, but the match was clinched by Arkansas State with a 225-213 win in the sixth.
 
Jax State faced the hosts in the bronze match for a rematch of the NCAA National Championship. The Penguins won the first 173-144, but Jax State won the next four to come away with the match. After a 222-192 win in the second, the Gamecocks bowled a combined perfect game for a 300-198 win in the third, then closed the match with 190-176 and 213-209 wins.
 
Next up for the Gamecocks will be Destination Orlando starting on Friday.