GREENSBORO, N.C. --- The Tusculum University women's bowling team is in ninth place after day one of the Vernell Stallings Invitational, which is being held at the AMF All-Star Lanes and hosted by North Carolina A&T.

Tusculum posted a 2-3 record and finished with a total pinfall of 4,332 in its five Baker format games. All three of the TU losses came against nationally-ranked programs. This year's 15-team tournament field includes eight programs who are ranked in the latest NTCA Poll.

The Pioneers went toe-to-toe with second-ranked Sam Houston State and came up just short in a 913-836 decision.

Tusculum followed with consecutive wins over Norfolk State (965-800) and Coppin State (874-748).  The Pioneers closed out the day with a 948-872 loss to No. 21 Lincoln Memorial and finished with an 885-785 loss to No. 10 Mount St. Mary's.

Fourth-ranked Vanderbilt has the first day lead with 5,256 pins, while Mount St. Mary's is second with 4,975. Host and sixth-ranked North Carolina A&T is third with 4,970, followed by Sam Houston State (4918), Delaware State (4882), Fairleigh Dickinson (4878), Maryland Eastern Shore (4777), Lincoln Memorial (4772), Tusculum (4332), Florida A&M (4325), Texas Southern (4143), Coppin State (4086), Norfolk State (3905), Howard (3823) and Belmont Abbey (3626).

Tusculum will have a bye to start Saturday's five traditional-scored games. TU will then face No. 12 Fairleigh Dickinson, Texas Southern, Belmont Abbey and then close out with the host Aggies.

Stallings Team Standings (after day one)