EGG HARBOR, N.J. (March 3, 2017) – The no. 20 nationally ranked Franklin Pierce University women's bowling team returned to the alley on Friday after a two week absence as they headed down to Egg Harbor, N.J. to the Hawk Flight Invitational hosted by Monmouth University.

The Crimson and Grey went 2-3 on the first day of bowling and are currently 43-30 (.589) on the campaign. Franklin Pierce wraps up day one in 11th place out of 16 squads with a total pinfall of 4,319 which results in an average of 172.8 per game.

No. 4 nationally-ranked Sam Houston State University sits in the top spot with a 4-1 mark with a total pinfall of 4,884. No. 6 nationally-ranked Fairleigh Dickinson University (3-2, 4,760 pins) and host #12 Monmouth (4-1, 4,709 pins) round out the top three.

FPU earned wins over LIU-Post (855-747) and Saint Peter's (913-756), but dropped three duels to nationally ranked opponents.

Freshman Alexa Asta (Jackson, N.J.) led the Raven bowlers with a 19.14 baker average through the first day. Team captain Colleen Kelly (Quincy, Mass.) had an exceptional day of bowling as she racked up an 18.40 average.

The Ravens return to the King Pin Alley tomorrow for the second day of competition.

For more information on Franklin Pierce Athletics, please visit the official website of Franklin Pierce Athletics (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu). Also be sure to follow the Ravens through the Department of Athletics' official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FranklinPierceRavens), its YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/franklinpiercesports) and its Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/FPUathletics). Fans wishing to purchase Franklin Pierce bowling apparel can do so at the Department of Athletics' online store (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu/store).