Hawks earn marquee wins over nationally ranked teams at Hawk Classic
 

WOODBRIDGE, Virginia – Playing host to the 2023 Hawk Classic at Bowl America in Woodbridge, Virginia, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore bowling team finished with a record of 7-6 over the three day event with six wins coming against national ranked programs.
 

With a field of 22 teams along with high scoring trends throughout the weekend, the Hawks opened competition with a combined score of 1044 but were bested by Central Missori's 1155. The Hawks turned around to roll of 1076 in a win over 10^th ranked Louisiana Tech. After a narrow 989-962 defeat to eighth ranked Sam Houston, the Hawks battled with sixth ranked Youngstown State for a 1054-1048 victory. UMES went on to win its next three matches of the weekend as the Hawks took down Bryant, 1044-927, 21^st ranked Lincoln Memorial with a score of 1107-973 and seventh ranked Jacksonville State with a season-high pin count of 1138 to 1094.
 

After their four straight wins, UMES cooled off as they dropped to Wilimington, 1049-1012. Defending national champion Vanderbilt beat the Hawks, 1064-838. Wisconsin-Whitewater topped UMES, 1054-872 and Adelphi edged UMES, 1016-999.
 

The Hawks adjusted and got back on track to end the Hawk Classic on a high note in bracket play as they defeated Wisconsin-Whitewater, 4-3. UMES ended the weekend competition with a one-sided 4-1 victory over Sam Houston.
 

"Overall, I am pleased to come out of this weekend with a winning record along with quality performances against some of the top programs in the nation," UMES head coach Roger Petrin said. "In the strongest field we have seen so far this year, the scoring by each team was very impressive throughout the weekend. We had some great moments as well as some learning experiences. Overall, I want our ladies to continue to build their confidence as we strive to contend for a championship."

 
Prior to Sunday's competition, UMES graduating bowlers Brooke Roberts and Alejandra Amezcua were honored by Coach Petrin, family members and teammates. Roberts went on to have one of her best performances of the season as she finished 10th in individual competition with an average of 224.17 which included a impressive 279 against Louisiana Tech. Alexis Ingersoll opened the weekend with scores of 267 and 258 and finished with a pin count of 1263. 


With the weekend results, the Hawks are 31-16 overall entering the holiday break. UMES returns to action on January 8 at the Stormin' Blue & White Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada.