PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — Heading into the weekend, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore would have surely liked to have been above .500 after two days of competition at the Northeast Classic. But after the reality of exactly what they would be dealing with on Day 2, they have to be pretty happy with a 5-5 record despite being 16th in overall pinfall.
The Hawks (38-32, 3-5 MEAC) finished 2-3 on the second day of competition with the two wins coming versus National Tenpin Coaches Association No. 5 Vanderbilt (1,065-971) and No. 10 Maryville (981-849).
After a blistering day of Baker bowling on Friday, junior Brooke Roberts (Port Orange, Florida) missed Saturday's competition due to COVID-19 protocols.
"It was a tough blow," head coach Roger Petrin said. "But everybody has their own COVID story this season and I feel like this was a chance for the other player to have the opportunity to get some shots in and really build some confidence."
Junior Alejandra Amezcua (Bajo California, Mexico) stepped up big time putting up a five-game average of 229.60 and finished in fifth overall with a spot on the All-Tournament team.
"She was pretty proud of it," Petrin said. "She said it was her first one and I was surprised. I think there are some good strides happening there. Gabriella Ochoa Hubbard (Nogales, Sonora, Mexico) had a rough start to the day, but finished with a couple of 220 games. There were a lot of good things that happened today."
Ochoa Hubbard posted games of 233 and 223 in the day's victories to finish strong and averaged 185.20.
Graduate student Paulina Torres (Ponce, Puerto Rico) averaged 194.00 on the day and Elizabeth Ross (Schenectady, New York) had a 183.80 average.
While several players had big moments, sophomore Brooke Driver (Woodbridge, Virginia), who was battling thumb blisters and a sore hip, gutted her way through a tough day as one of just five bowlers available.
The Hawks started the day off with losses to No. 17 Long Island, No. 2 Mckendree and No. 11 Stephen F. Austin.
"We started off really rough," Petrin said. "I think we were in a bad head space to start. I think the news of Brooke coming through last night and into this morning affected a lot of people. We had very low energy at the start, but we still had a chance to get some wins. With everything that has happened to us over a few day in a really good field we are 5-5."
