ORLANDO, Fla. — The first day of the Sunshine State Winter Classic is in the books.
 
The No. 15-ranked Lincoln Memorial University women's bowling team finished 4-1, with three top-20 victories at the 14-team tournament in Orlando, Fla.
 
"Considering how well we bowled, we are very happy with a 4-1 day with three top-20 wins," LMU Director of Bowling and Women's Head Coach Joseph Slowinski said.
 
The Lady Railsplitters began the five-game baker match day with a 953-909 win over No. 12-ranked Delaware State, and then followed it up with another victory — this one over No.18-ranked Maryville University, 977-893.
 
LMU won its third straight in a 911-905 win over Florida A&M before stumbling versus No. 25 Youngstown State in a 909-1003 loss. But, the Lady Railsplitters bounced back in the final match of the day, defeating No. 14-ranked University of Alabama Birmingham, 959-894.
 
"Some sloppy execution and missed spares cost us from scoring higher and really break through," Slowinski said. "I was disappointed with the sustained focus levels at times, but I kept challenging our team to step up.  Our lengthy end of day meeting should operate as a catalyst to see significant improvement with focus [Saturday]."
 
"As always our goal is to improve each day and be at our best in Sunday's best- of-7 baker matches."
 
The Lady Railsplitters will be back on the lanes at 8:25 a.m. Saturday for five traditional matches.