LANSING, Mich. - Mount Mercy (Iowa) made its first trip to the NAIA Men's Bowling National Championship stick, Saturday (March 21), claiming the 2026 Red Banner with a 2-1 Mega Match triumph over defending national champion Marian (Ind.) at Royal Scot Lanes in Lansing, Mich. 

The Mustangs had to work out of a deficit, falling behind after the traditional match to begin the Mega Match format, but then won both the five-game Baker set and the decisive best-of-seven to claim their first-ever national championship. 

The championship Mega Match began with the singles traditional game, where Marian gained the early advantage with a team total of 1056 to Mount Mercy’s 1027. Hayden Fowler led all bowlers with a massive 259, supported by Cayleb Carey’s 246 and Jacob Neubauer’s 202. Blake Walsh paced the Mustangs with a 232, followed by Keaton Ostrowski (207) and Jacob Bockstie (201).

Mount Mercy responded with authority in the five-game Baker set, flipping the momentum with a cumulative score of 1095. Marian struggled to keep pace, posting a 988. Mount Mercy posted high marks of 238, 233, and 223 during the set to secure the Baker pinfall point. Despite a strong start in Game 1 (236), Marian’s scoring dipped in the later games, including a critical 158 in Game 5.

With the match score tied 1-1 entering the best-of-seven Baker Matchplay, Mount Mercy showcased its championship pedigree. The Mustangs dominated the matchplay session, winning the point 4-1 to clinch the overall Mega Match 2-1.

Championship Matchplay Scores: 

| Game | Mount Mercy | Marian (Ind.) | 

| Game 1 | 156 | 201 | 

| Game 2 | 174 | 150 | 

| Game 3 | 254 | 161 | 

| Game 4 | 225 | 205 | 

| Game 5 | 238 | 186 |