MILLSBORO, Del.- Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) started hot and stayed that way on day one of the 2012 Eastern Shore Hawk Classic Sponsored by Hammer Bowling.  They posted 4,275 total pins over five games, only catching one blemish, a loss to No. 3 Fairleigh Dickerson (FDU), but the Hawks bested them in pin fall on the day, maintaining a 28 pin advantage after the five-quad Baker games.

Head coach Kristina Frahm went with the hot hands, watching the team in warm-ups to see was throwing strikes.  The lineup barely changed the entire day and was always led-off by freshman Kristie Lopez.  She brought energy and marks on the day.  She was followed by the reigning MEAC Bowler of the Week, Valerie Riggin and then by the reigning MEAC Rookie of the Year Mariana Alvarado.  All-Americans Anggie Ramirez and T'nia Falbo would round out the line-up.

The Hawks opened well, rolling the highest first game in the field, a 900 in a win over no. 12 Kutztown (787).  They would then post the highest score of the day in match two with a 946-739 win over no. 13 New Jersey City.  UMES then ran into FDU and took the loss 864-838.

Despite the loss to FDU by just 26 pins, the Hawks maintained the lead in the Hawk Classic.  UMES rebounded to win match four, a 756-742 decision over no. 7 Sacred Heart.  The low total was enough to win, but a 942 by FDU gave then the temporary lead by nine pins.  In the fifth and final match of the day UMES topped no. 15 Adelphi 835-762.  In contrast the Knights of FDU shot a 798, including a 300 in one game.  That total was good enough to beat no. 4 Vanderbilt, but not good enough to stop UMES from recapturing the tournament lead to end the day.

UMES opens tomorrow with a position match within their bracket, taking on no. 6 Central Missouri to open the day.  UCM and FDU were the only two teams to go a perfect 5-0 on the day.  The Jennies currently stand in third place overall.

Rounding out the field from fourth through tenth place is Vanderbilt, Saint Francis (N.Y.), Stephen F. Austin, Adelphi, Valparaiso, Sam Houston State and Kutztown.  Sacred Heart, New Jersey City, Monmouth, Norfolk State, Delaware State, Howard, Morgan State and Hampton finish out the 18-team field.

Day two of the 2012 Eastern Shore Hawk Classic sponsored by Hammer Bowling starts at 9:00 a.m. at Millsboro Lanes in Millsboro, Del.  The format will be five traditional team games with the top individuals vying for a spot on the All-Tournament Team.  Ramirez will look for her third straight MVP award in individual action.  At the conclusion of day two the bracket will be filled with one through 18 and only the top four seeds having the possibility of being crowned Hawk Classic Champion.

Admission is free and open to the public.

For the complete story, visit www.umeshawks.com