Senior Emily Maier knows competing in familiar surroundings helped the Wichita State University women's bowling team to its record eighth national championship a year ago its own backyard.

Not just from competing at Northrock Lanes on nearly a daily basis, but from its raucous fans cheering on every shot.

"We feed off the tremendous support from our fans, and that really helped us win last year," said Maier, a Sparks, Nev., native. "Knowing the lanes is a huge advantage, but it comes down to each team making shots on very tough lane conditions. Having our fans going crazy for us gives us added confidence."

Maier and the Shockers - ranked No. 1 by the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association - will look to raise the Helmer Cup for the third time in four years when the 2008 United States Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Team Championships, presented by Storm, return to Wichita, Kan., April 17-19.

Wichita State senior Emily Maier, along with teammate Felicia Wong, will have the opportunity to win their third team national championship next week.

The USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships, featuring the top 16 men's and top 16 women's college bowling teams in the country vying for national titles, will be held at Northrock Lanes. Teams will bowl 32 Baker games on April 17 to determine seeds for double-elimination, best-of-7 match play, which will be held April 18-19.

The finals will be nationally televised on CBS College Sports (formerly CSTV) on a tape-delayed basis.

Even without the home-field advantage, the Shockers would be one of the heavy favorites to take the women's title - thanks to returning every player from last season.

"It's very comforting knowing you have everyone back," said Maier, a first-team All-American last season and current Junior Team USA member. "Even though we have the same players, we feel we are an improved team since we've been able to build stronger camaraderie."

The Shockers aren't the only Wichita team that is challenging for the women's national title as Newman University, which also calls Northrock Lanes its home, qualified for the fifth straight year.

Other teams highlighting the women's field are No. 2 Central Florida, No. 3 Pikeville, No. 4 Lindenwood and No. 5 McKendree, last year's runner-up.

On the men's side, Saginaw Valley State will look to become the second men's team to win three straight national championships, matching the feat turned by Wichita State from 1993 to 1995.

Leading the top-ranked Cardinals once again is junior Dan MacLelland of Windsor, Ontario, last year's Intercollegiate Team Championships Most Valuable Player who led the nation with a 213.8 average this season. Toby Sidle of Bryan, Ohio, Saginaw Valley State's only senior, ranked 15th nationally with a 202.7 average.

Other teams highlighting the men's field are No. 2 Wichita State, No. 3 William Paterson, No. 4 Lindenwood and No. 5 Fresno State.

Teams advanced to the USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships by finishing among the top four in Sectional Qualifiers held in Allentown, Pa.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Fairview Heights, Ill., and Las Vegas in March.

Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan. (April 17-19, 2008)

MEN'S FIELD
Arizona State, Calumet College of St. Joseph, Central Florida, Fresno State, Indiana, Lindenwood, Michigan State, Mohawk Valley CC, UNLV, Pikeville, Purdue, Saginaw Valley State, Vincennes, Wichita State, William Paterson and Wisconsin-Whitewater

WOMEN'S FIELD
Bellarmine, Calumet College of St. Joseph, Central Florida, Florida State, Fresno State, Lindenwood, Martin Methodist, Maryland-Eastern Shore, McKendree, Morehead State, Newman, Pikeville, Purdue, Robert Morris (Ill.), Shippensburg and Wichita State.