2016 Mid-Winter Invite Standings l Hawks Mid-Winter Invite Individual Scoresheet l 2016 Mid-Winter Invite Bracket

JONESBORO, Ark.-- The first challenge of the new year for the Hawks has not been kind to the young squad, but with some perseverance the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) bowling squad fought its way to the middle of the pack at this year's Mid-Winter Invitational, hosted by Arkansas State. Because of this, UMES has earned an eighth place position entering bracket play on Sunday.

Day one started out with great promise, as the team won their first three games, downing Jackson State, Alabama State and Lincoln, respectively. A Friday game high of 258 was achieved in the Lincoln matchup on the way to score of 1,017 total pins over five games.

The tide turned when the Hawks faced the Nebraska Cornhuskers. UMES put up a respectable 949, but Nebraska was slightly better with a 955, handing the Marylanders a bitter first loss. A defeat at the hands of Central Missouri further dampened the team's hopes in the final frames of the day.

Individuals on Saturday proved to be tougher on the young team. Although freshman Danielle August (Mililani, Hawaii) dazzled with a 257 in the opening round, the Hawks suffered a loss to Wisconsin-Whitewater. The losing streak would continue for the next two matches, despite a 242 game from freshman Kaci Collins (Mint Hill, N.C.) along the way and consistent performances from senior Thashaina Seraus (Oranjestad, Aruba).

UMES would take their lone victory on day two against the hosting Red Wolves, defeating their Arkansas rivals 958-879. Sophomore Melanie Copey (Ontario, N.Y.) bowled a 222 to rally the Hawks to win. The team would then carry the momentum and bowled a 1,065 in the final matchup, but Vanderbilt impressed with a score of 1,135 to earn the win.

The last two games, combined with August's 1,026 series over five games, helped the Hawks propel one position from ninth to eighth on day two.

Stephen F. Austin will be the first opponent in tomorrow's bracket play, and the Hawks can finish as high as fifth place for the weekend. The first frames will be bowled starting at 9:30 in the morning.