FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. — Day one is in the books for the Lincoln Memorial University women's bowling team.
 
The No. 14-ranked Lady Railsplitters compiled 4,766 pins — 941, 1,051, 889, 853 and 1,032 — through five baker games for a 190.60 average to sit sixth out of 16 teams Friday at the Bearcat Hammer Open in Fairview Heights, Ill.
 
"Habits and routines are an important aspect of our program," LMU Director of Bowling and Women's Head Coach Joseph Slowinski said. "So, it was great to get back into competition mode as a team unit. 
 
"We opened the day with two wins and outstanding bowling. There was a high level of focus and quality shot-making. Most importantly, the energy level was high."
 
As Slowinski referred to, the Lady Railsplitters were crazy hot early, defeating North Central, 941-707, before knocking off Kentucky Wesleyan 1,051-1010.
 
LMU cooled down in the next two games, dropping matches to No. 11 North Carolina A&T (927-889) and No. 21 Wisconsin Whitewater (964-853).
 
But, the Lady Railsplitters, who were paced by Justine Brookover's 100-percent single-pin spares and Christine Hansen's often 10th-frame doubles, finished the day the right way with a decisive 1,032-969 victory over No. 18 Central Missouri.

"Our bowlers need to return to competition focus levels," Slowinski said. "After an outstanding start, our focus faltered leading to poor execution. I challenged them to step up against No. 18 Central Missouri, and they responded in the fifth and final match.
 
"Sophomores Christine Hansen and Justine Brookover were both outstanding all day long.  Both gave valuable contributions in the anchor position throughout the day."
 
The Lady Railsplitters will look to use an encouraging finish to sneak up on Wisconsin Whitewater, who sits in fifth place with 16 pins more than LMU at 4,782. NC A&T is next with 4,808, while No. 1 Vanderbilt had 5,088, Nebraska racked up 5,094 and the host team and No. 2 McKendree sits in first place with 5,112 pins.
 
LMU will start play Saturday at 10:30 a.m. with five traditional matches. The Lady Railsplitters will face Valparaiso, No. 5 Arkansas State, Lewis, No. 1 Vanderbilt, and then an overall position round for the fifth match.