Top-Rated Huskers Set to Open Season

The NTCA No. 1 rated Nebraska women’s bowling team is set to open its 2014-15 season this weekend at the Crusader Classic in Valparaiso, Ind.

The 14-team tournament starts Friday morning with six sets of Baker games and concludes Sunday at 8:30 a.m. with Baker Match Play.

Nebraska Head Coach Bill Straub said that the team has had some really good preparations leading up to the tournament, mentioning that this team is probably one of the most skilled teams he has had in his 18 years of coaching at NU.

“We have had four and a half weeks of real good preparation, now it is time to turn it on against other teams,” Straub said. “This is the deepest that we have ever been, we have a lot of people that are real skilled, we will determine who gets to go when we get to practice tomorrow morning.”

Straub added that the seven lady Huskers that are traveling to Valparaiso this weekend will have a shot to contribute for the Huskers throughout the weekend’s competition.

“All seven of the people we are taking to Valpo will certainly be ready to play this weekend, and definitely could all see some playing time,” he said.

Straub likes the core group of returners the Huskers will feature, including seniors Liz Kuhlkin and Andrea Ruiz, junior Beth Hedley and sophomores Gazmine Mason and Briana Zabierek.

“We have the core group that is returning that I think are really skilled, we have some newcomers that will certainly help support that. At least on paper it looks real promising.

Check back at Huskers.com for a full tournament recap Sunday afternoon.

Nebraska Travel Roster:
Julia Bond
Melanie Crawford
Beth Hedley
Liz Kuhlkin
Gazmine Mason
Andrea Ruiz
Briana Zabierek

Teams Competing:
Alabama State
Arkansas State
Alma
Central Missouri
Elmhurst
McKendree
Monmouth
Nebraska
Prairie View A&M
Sam Houston State
Tulane
Valparaiso
Vanderbilt
Wisconsin-Whitewater

Kuhlkin Looks to Finish off her Husker Career on a High Note

Two-time returning NTCA First-Team All-American Liz Kuhlkin will look to add to her already dominating Husker career during 2014-15.

Kuhlkin, a senior from New York is the returning high scorer for NU, as she recorded a team-high 206.7 average during her junior campaign. By last season’s end, Kuhlkin racked up four all-tournament selections, including winning the individual championship at the Mid-Winter Invitational in Jonesboro, Ark, on Jan.17-19.

“Liz is without a doubt, the best player in the country," Straub said. "She has put in a ton of work throughout her career, and it should result in a very special season for Liz."