MILLSBORO, Del. (November 20, 2015) – Sophomore Nicolette Vucak (Garfield, N.J.) topped all bowlers for the Franklin Pierce University Bowling team on the day in Baker average with a 17.1, but the Ravens were unable to put together solid rounds in day one of the Hawk Classic, hosted by the University of Maryland East Shore on Friday afternoon.

Franklin Pierce drew a tough matchup in their first match of the day, drawing number four nationally-ranked Sam Houston University. Struggling in the around the 160 mark, the Ravens topped out at 199 in a 1029-866 loss.

The second match of the day paired the Ravens with the host, number 12 nationally-ranked UMES. Franklin Pierce took the lead after the third game with a score of 179, but could not hold on through game five. After a barnburner down the stretch, the Ravens would drop the match by a slight margin, 839-823.

Match three didn't get any easier for the Ravens, as they faced their third ranked opponent in as many matches, as the squared off against number 22 nationally-ranked Monmouth. Despite strong scores through three games, even putting up a 205 in game one, the Ravens once again couldn't close the door. They would drop the match 1066-863, putting them in a 0-3 hole going into their fourth matchup.

The Ravens then faced Howard University in their fourth match of the day. After two tough scores early on putting them down, lanes broke down for about 20 minutes, giving the Ravens a chance to regroup. They came out swinging with a 175, and came within five pins from taking a lead. However, that was as close as they would come, dropping the match 830-783.

Delaware State would be the fifth counterpart of the Ravens on the day, and it looked they might be the first victory for the Ravens on the day. Franklin Pierce would lead through the third game, with only two left to play. But, they would surrender the lead, and were unable to recover, dropping the match 811-757.

The Ravens sixth and final match of the day brought their first match in the position round. Ranked 17^th for the tournament, they faced the 18^th seeded Morgan State. After two games, the Ravens would trail after two rough rounds to start. But a 181 in game three pushed the Ravens ahead by just one pin. A fourth game would see the lead see-saw back to Morgan State by 13 pins. Down by that margin, Franklin Pierce would respond to the pressure and shoot a 200 in the fifth game, and take the match 840-824.

Franklin Pierce returns to the lanes tomorrow, November 21 when they play in day two of the Hawk Classic.

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 merchandise can do so at the Department of Athletics' online store (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu/store).