HOUSTON, Texas — The No. 7 (National Tenpins Coaches Association) University of Maryland Eastern Shore bowling squad opened up the first day of competition at the Track Kat Classic, hosted by No. 4 Sam Houston State University with a 3-1 record and stood in first place when the dust settled with a pinfall of 4,945. They were followed by McKendree (4,897) and Nebraska (4,845).

"Today was a good day," head coach Kayla Bandy said. "We had a plan that we felt would give us a good look today and it proved beneficial. We played to our strengths on a tough pattern, controlled the pocket, and most importantly made our spares. Communication was great and the team's commitment to playing the lane together was commendable."

The Hawks (13-4) began the day slow and dropped their opening match of the day's Baker competition to Louisiana Tech by a 959-919 score. But a second match of the day became a 1,078-pin bye after Grambling State withdrew from the event. The Shore topped No. 6 Stephen F. Austin (944-921) and No. 25 Texas Southern (975-886) before finishing out the day with a 1,029-846 win against Alabama State.

"Brigitte Jacobs (Freeport, Illinois) performed in the 5-spot like a champ," Bandy said. "She filled the frames and made great shots when we needed them. Quianna Macares (Willemstad, Curacao) gave us a solid look as leadoff — very consistent."

Competition begins on Nov. 3 at 9:30 a.m. when the Hawks face five Traditional matches and three traditional powers.

Eastern Shore  opens with No. 2 McKendree then take on No. 3 Nebraska before No. 23 Monmouth. The Shore finishes out the day with University of Alabama-Birmingham and No. 3 Sam Houston State.