(51-1CROYTON, Pennsylvania — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore started competition at the Northeast Invitational on Friday with a 916-877 win against NTCAA No. 1 McKendree, but then dropped three of the final four matches to go 2-3 on the day and stand in ninth place.

 "It was a rough day scoring for the team on a difficult pattern," Hawks coach Kayla Bandy said. "We made great decisions through transition. The pattern is tough and that is causing the strike percentage to be down quite a bit. When the pattern is tough we have to lean on spare shooting and that failed us a bit today. Everyone had equitable playing time to get a feel for the pattern also allowing me to see what we have going into the next two days of competition. We are looking to play a little more aggressive tomorrow and show up to play!"

The Hawks (51-17, 12-0 MEAC) dropped the second match (950-931) to Maryville and the following 969-925 to Youngstown State. The Shore then topped Wisconsin-Whitewater 952-923 and dropped the final match, 971-889, to Stephen F. Austin.

Isabel Hughes (Raleigh, North Carolina) was the day's standout for The Shore putting up a 58% strike percentage, a 92% fill rate and getting nine-or-better on her first ball 91% of the time.

Paulina Torres (Ponce, Puerto Rico) had an 88% fill percentage and converted 94% of her single-pin spares. She has nine-or-better on her first ball 66% of the time.
"Paulina was consistent performer in 5th position in lineup," Bandy said. "Isabel had an awesome day on her Birthday — best day of the season so far for her. Both had hear 90% fill rate and that's where we all need to be."

Alejandra Amezcua (Baja California, Mexico) converted all of her single-pin spares and had an 86% fill percentage.

Play continues on Saturday with five Traditional matches.