SMYRNA, Tennessee — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore went 4-1 on the opening day of competition at the Music City Classic — including a win against National Tenpin Coach's Association No. 16 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater — and stand in sixth place after Baker play on Day 1.

"Brigitte Jacobs (Freeport, Illinois) was great for us as anchor," Hawks coach Kayla Bandy said. "She had three opens in her 50 frames, that's pretty impressive. She threw the ball great for us today. She and a few others are coming off of the flu so for her to come out performing like that speaks to her desire to be the best."

The Hawks (79-27, 24-0 MEAC) opened the day with a 1,041-832 win against Spalding and followed that up by topping Drury 913-900.

A 1,111-933 setback against No. 1 McKendree University came next, but The Shore then finished the day with wins against Kentucky-Wesleyan College (976-914) and then ended the day against Wisconsin-Whitewater (974-964).

In addition to marking in 97% of her frames, Jacobs also posted a 46% strike rate.

The freshmen also had a big day with Morgan Cooper (Gloucester Point, Virginia) posting a 58% strike rate and Brooke Roberts (Port Orange, Florida) putting up an 88% fill rate. Classmate Alejandra Amezcua (Baja California, Mexico) striking at a 46% rate and filling at 86%.

"Brigitte, Morgan and Alejandra all had good ball motion and that led to their high strike percentages," Bandy said. "As far as fill percentage — which is incredibly important for success — Brigitte, Brooke, and Alejandra together marked in 90% of their frames combined. They were instrumental to our success today."

Eastern Shore returns to action Saturday (March 7) morning with Traditional play.

"Tomorrow we plan to get back out on the lanes and be better than we were today," Bandy said. "It's time to move up the leader board."

The Hawks will face Aurora University, No. 3 Nebraska, No. 7 Stephen F. Austin and No. 21 University of Alabama-Birmingham as well as a boeling a bye unopposed.