READING, Pennsylvania - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore managed to show coach Kayla Bandy just what she was hoping to see finishing 5-1 during the first day of competition at the Kutztown University Invitational at Heister Lanes in Reading, Pennsylvania.

After a tough weekend in Arkansas a week ago, it was important for the team to rebound at the next event on its schedule -- which features 17 ranked squads.

The Hawks opened the day with a 994-744 win against Pitt-Bradford and followed that up with a 1182-1090 defeat of Tulane.

It was Chestnut Hill that fell next (1011-775) followed by Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference foe Norfolk State (986-873).

Vanderbilt handed Eastern Shore its only loss, 1107-1071. But the squad finished out the day with a 1031-872 win against Youngstown State.

"The team threw the ball really well today," Bandy said. "It was a LONG day and we look to build upon what we began today, tomorrow."

Freshman Cayla Hicks (Richmond, Virginia) led the way bowling in the two position most of the day after a match 2 substitution, striking 52 percent of the time and converting 86 percent of her single pin spares. She marked at a 95 percent rate.

Sophomore Danielle August (Mililani, Hawaii) also rolled well in the third position striking 50 percent of the time and posting a strong single pin percentage (86) and marked 91 percent of the time.

Sophomore Jacqueline Rhoda (Portage, Indiana) followed up a strong performance in Arkansas with a good start in Pennsylvania. She had a 55 percent strike rate, converted 83 percent of her single pin spares and marked at 85 percent.

Melanie Copey (Ontario, New York) struck 55 percent of the time from the leadoff position, converted all her single pin spares and marked 87 percent of the time.

Veteran Thashaina Seraus (Orangestad, Aruba) struck 55 percent of the time, converted single pins at 90 percent and marked 63 percent on the day.

The Hawks will follow up on Saturday with another marathon day of six traditional team matches and Sunday will feature bracket play with three matches in bracket style position rounds based on standing heading into the final day.