PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is just nine days away from the opening of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference season at Norfolk State, but as the non-conference season winds to a close there is one more opportunity for a tune up.

The Hawks (3-10) will attempt to knock off a few days of rust after holiday celebrations when they host the Division III Lions for a 3 p.m. matchup at home on Friday (Dec. 30).

"This time of year, we are always getting ready for conference play," Hawks coach Fred Batchelor said. "That is always the focus, but with a young team it becomes even more so. At the end of the day, the MEAC season is where we hang our hats and this is our last chance to get ready for the grind against someone other than ourselves."

Senior guard Kearah Henry leads Bryn Athyn (4-4) so far this season with 11.1 points per game to go with 3.1 assists and 2.1 steals. She and is followed by sophomore guard Norma Thornhill's 10.7 per contest. Terrae Lewis — a 5-foot-10 senior — pulls down a team-high 7.1 rebound per game.

Following the matchup, UMES will next see action at Norfolk State on Jan. 7  at 2 p.m. as part of a men's and women's doubleheader.