HOUSTON, Texas -

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore stood at No. 8 when the February National Tenpins Coaches Association (NTCA) poll was released and continued to take on some of the other top squads in the country at the Stormin' Ladyjack Classic, which began on Friday (Feb. 16).

The opening round of competition featured five 5-game Baker matches as pool play opened at the Copperfield Bowl in Houston, Texas.

The Hawks opened with a loss to No. 7 Stephen F. Austin (943-903), but quickly rebounded to finish the day with four straight victories.

Bethune-Cookman was the first to fall 938-847 followed by a 1,070-1,012 win against No. 4 Vanderbilt.

The Shore ended the day with victories against No. 5 Sam Houston State (1,018-851) and No. 9 Tulane (1,012-935)

Eastern Shore is No. 4 after Day 1 with a 4-1 record a total pinfall of 4,941 and a 197.6 average.

Day 2 of competition begins at 9:25 a.m. with five traditional team matches.

For more information on Eastern Shore Athletics visit http://www.easternshorehawks.com/ .