Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) earned the top seed after the first day of competition in the 2008 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Bowling Championship at Sparetimes in Hampton, Virginia.

The defending MEAC Champion Lady Hawks, who earned the first seed for the third straight year, will vie for their third straight title and fourth overall. Maryland Eastern Shore, who is currently ranked second in the latest National Tenpins Coaches Association (NTCA) poll, recorded a 24-3 mark in the conference play and are currently 104-23 overall.

Delaware State, the 11th ranked team in the nation, earned the second seed and are seeking their first MEAC bowling crown. The Lady Hornets are 23-4 in MEAC play and 74-36 overall.

After a tie in total pinfall, Florida A&M and Morgan State will face off in an exciting baker game tomorrow morning to determine the third and fourth seeds.

Bethune-Cookman, will compete as the fifth seed. The Lady Wildcats played in the finals of last year’s tournament before falling to Maryland Eastern Shore 4-3.

Sixth seeded Hampton, seventh seeded Norfolk State and North Carolina A&T, who earned the eight seed complete the tournament bracket.

Only eight teams in the conference are eligible to play in the championship tournament. Howard (11-16), Coppin State (1-26) and South Carolina State (4-20) have been eliminated from tournament play based on their record in conference play.

Play continues on Saturday with teams competing against each other in a best-of-seven baker style competition.

The MEAC Bowling Championship wraps up on Sunday, March 23 at 10:15 a.m. beginning with the semifinal round and concluding with the championship final. Admission is free and open to the public.

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