Maher wasn’t in the Pioneers’ original lineup heading into the UMES Hawk Invitational, but the rookie received a chance in the second of 13 matches Sacred Heart played over the weekend and she took full advantage. Maher made 12 starts and averaged a team-high 20.24 pins per frame at the 18-team tournament, which featured six of the eight NCAA qualifiers from last April’s national title meet. The first-year Pioneer threw 57 strikes in 119 opportunities (.479) and filled 82.3 percent of frames bowled over the course of the three-day event, which was comprised of traditional, quad baker and best-of-seven baker matches. Maher posted a five-match traditional game average of 196.2, a mark that was good enough for 25th overall on the tournament’s individual leader board. Three of her five games were in excess of 200, including a 225 game that helped the Pioneers top NEC rival New Jersey City. Maher was even better during baker play. She averaged 20.74 pins per baker frame and threw nine consecutive strikes in a match against Sam Houston State.