ROCKAWAY, New Jersey — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore suffered a quick wake-up call in the opening morning of competition in New Jersey, falling to host Caldwell University before reeling off four straight victories. The Hawks (14-4) head into Day 2 at the Cougar Classic in first place.

National Tenpins Coaches Association No. 7 Eastern Shore fell 941-901 against the Cougars in the day's opening match, but made the necessary adjustments to win the next four.

"I'm impressed with the way the girls bounced back after the first set," Hawks head coach Kayla Bandy said. "I didn't make changes fast enough."

They rolled New Jersey University 988-722 and then topped Bloomfield College 976-784. The Shore followed that up with victories against No. 25 Monmouth (981-936) and No. 9 Fairleigh Dickinson (947-913).

The Hawks got another big day from sophomore Chloe Skurzynski (Carlisle, Pennsylvania), senior Brigitte Jacobs (Freeport, Illinois) and freshman Alejandra Amezcua (Baja California, Mexico).

Skurzynski struck in 24 of her 50 frames (48 %), marked in 46-of-50 (92 %) got nine-or-better in 44 of 50 frames (88 %) and converted all but one of her single-pin spares.

Jacobs had a 48 % strike percentage (24-of-50), Marked 82 % of the time (41-of-50) and converted all 11 of her single-pin spares.

Amezcua marked in 44-of-50 frames (88 %), converted all 13 of her single pins and had a 38 % strike percentage.

But the young Mexican wasn't the only freshman to shine as Brooke Roberts (Port Orange, Florida) and Morgan Cooper (Gloucester Point, Virginia) also came up strong.

Roberts filled 18-of 21 frames and converted all five of her single pins, but Cooper was on fire picking up 14 strikes in 23 frames (61 %), filling 20 of 23 frames and getting nine or better 74 % of the time.

"Morgan was super impressive," Bandy said. "She had her opportunity to step up and help us out, and she most certainly did."

Play continues Saturday morning with five Traditional matches.