It was another seven game showdown but Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Lady Hawks picked up a 4-3 win over Robert Morris (Ill.) to advance to Saturday's semi-final round at the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Intercollegiate Team Championships (ITCs), hosted by AMF Peach Lanes.

Lindenwood, the 11th seed after day one of qualifying, is the only other undefeated team standing, they are on the opposite side of the bracket from UMES. Both teams just need one win in the semifinals to advance to the finals, scheduled to begin at approximately 2 p.m. tomorrow with men going first and the women following. Both the men and women's championships matches will be aired in a tape-delayed format on ESPN2 on May 15 at 2 p.m.

UMES will battle Central Florida, the tournament's number one seed. UCF was bumped to the loser's bracket in the opening match today by 16th seeded Newman. The Knights fought their way out of the bracket by winning four straight matches. They will have to defeat the Hawks twice to get to the finals.

The Lady Hawks survived two tough seven game matches on their way to the semi-finals. The last against RMU (Ill.) was dominated by the right lane. Each victory was recorded on that lane and head coach Sharon Brummell was glad she chose that one to start.  

UMES started the match with a 247-117 win, dominating the Eagles by 130 pins. But the alternating wins began after that with RMU winning game two 166-159. The swapped there after, UMES winning 188-182 and losing 246-181. Tied at two each game five went to the Hawks 179-156 but game six flew back to the Eagles 221-193. Finally UMES prevailed 252-185.

On the other side of the bracket Lindenwood will face fellow NCAA school Adelphi. Adelphi, the 10th seed, worked its way back through the bracket by knocking off perennial powers Wichita State, Webber International and McKendree. Lindenwood sent McKendree to that match-up with Adelphi by defeating them 4-3 earlier in the day.

For the complete story, visit www.umeshawks.com