Sept. 27, 2004

Columbia, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Women's Bowling Team got the season started with a bang this weekend, defeating Morgan State, Coppin State, and Hampton Universities three games to none to improve their MEAC record to 9-0 and NCAA record to 8-0.

Freshman sensation Jessica Worsley proved why she was so highly recruited rolling a 741 high series. The highest among all MEAC Northern Schools in attendance. Her high average was a 223.5 and scratch game was 267. "It was very impressive to watch her bowl," said Head Coach Sharon Brummell. "We knew she was good, but she showed her talents to the MEAC this weekend."

The team as a whole was on fire. MaryEtta Lewis had a solid outing rolling a high average of 223.38, a high series of 671 and collecting 1,787 pins to lead the Lady Hawks. Erin Fagan, also was strong taking out 1,690 pins in eight games. Senior Sandra Maresca was also solid collecting 1,070 pins in just five games. The team collected a high game of 1,165 pins vs. Morgan, the best in the tournament. They averaged 1,063 pins 108 better than their closest competitor in Howard University.

The three matches gives them a record of 9-0 in conference, but because the NCAA does not recognize a sixth game on a single day of competition, their NCAA record stands at a perfect 8-0.

"Either way you look at it we have started the season well," said Brummell. "We are trying to return to the NCAA Championships again and this was a great way to start."

UMES finished seventh in the nation last year after receiving an At-Large Bid to the first ever NCAA Championships, won by Nebraska.

The Lady Hawks return to action next weekend in Newark, Delaware at the Blue Hen Open.