Jan. 22, 2016
Kutztown Day 1 Standings
KUTZTOWN, Pennsylvania — In an unfortunate turn of events, the struggles of last week's Mid-Winter Invitational seemed to dog the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) bowling team as they traveled to Pennsylvania for the Kutztown Invitational. After some early successes, the team finished the the opening day of competition by winning two matches out of six.
However, with an 11th place standing out of 22 teams, the Hawks still have a chance to make rapid advancement in individuals on Saturday, standing within 200 pins of four team ahead of them, and less than 400 pins of the leader.
The day started out with great hope in the opening matchup against Wisconisn-Whitewater. With three Baker games over 200, UMES easily climbed over 1,000 pins to defeat the Warhawks 1029-971. Vanderbilt would be the next foe, and both teams engaged in a tight battle through four games. But in the final round, the Commodores fired a 258, sinking the Hawks 976-878.
A loss to Penn State Altoona (896-844) would further dampen hopes, but the Hawk bowlers rebounded with a victory against MEAC rival Bethune-Cookman (1047-940) achieving a Friday high of pins fell. However, the momentum would not last, as McKendree (1067-967) and North Carolina A&T State (1031-947) each dished out losses in the final Baker games of the day.
Senior Thashaina Seraus (Oranjestad, Aruba) led in the anchor position, with sophomores Jalesa Johnson (Delmar, Delaware) and Melanie Copey (Ontario, New York) lending a helping hand. Freshmen Jacqueline Rhoda (Portage, Indiana) and reigning ECAC Bowler of the Week Danielle August (Mililani, Hawaii) also served in various roles.
As it currently stands, the second day is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. — after a senior presentation. That time is still pending due to the snowy weather.
