DOVER, Del.- The North Carolina A&T bowling team posted a 2-3 record in the first day of action at the Capital Classic, falling to a trio of nationally-ranked teams at Brunswick Doverama.   

"There were times when we looked good as a unit today. There were other times, we didn't. We didn't bowl to the best of our abilities today," said A&T head coach James Williams.

The Aggies (28-18, 10-6 MEAC) opened up the Capital Classic tournament by taking on No. 17 New Jersey City and losing 873-773.  Against No. 12 Saint Francis in the second match of the day, the Aggies fell 758-738.  

The Aggies then evened up their record by winning their next two matches.  A&T defeated N.C. Central  847-747 before taking down Cheyney, 770-710.   But No. 7 Fairleigh Dickinson bested the Aggies 782-650 to close out the day in baker quad matches.

"This definitely was not our strongest showing. We left a lot of pins on the deck today, a whole lot of pins we should have gotten, especially against NJCU and SFC," Williams said. 

The Aggies will work on making the needed adjustments to improve their scoring opportunities as the three-day tournament continues this weekend. 

Competition will begin again on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. with head-to-head team competition.  The Aggies are slated to take on No. 9 Adelphi, Hampton, defending NCAA champions and No. 2 UMES, Howard and Morgan State on Saturday.  The playoff and championship rounds will be held on Sunday starting at 9:30 a.m.

"Tomorrow is going to be a grind of a day. We have to figure out how we are going to continue to score near the end part of the day," Williams said. "We'll have to make some minor adjustments to equipment tonight and tomorrow to make sure we are putting ourselves in the best possible scoring opportunity."