No. 1 Huskers Fall Just Short in Texas

The NTCA top-rated Nebraska women's bowling team wrapped-up its competition at the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjack Classic, held at Palace Lanes in Houston, Texas Sunday afternoon. The Huskers finished second in the 17-team field, falling just short in the championship best-of-seven Baker match against LIU-Brooklyn 4-3.

The Huskers battled through some illnesses while they were in Houston, but according to Assistant Coach Paul Klempa, finishing second in such a talent-rich tournament is something the talented group of Huskers can feel proud about.

“I am proud of the team this weekend, we led wire to wire, but we lost in the title match in seven games. It went all the way and we lost in the tail end and got in second,” Klempa said. “Considering some of our sicknesses, to go down there and lead wire to wire it was great performance.”

Klempa added, “It was a really good tournament, nobody single-handedly dominated, all seven travelers played, contributed, which resulted in a good team effort really. Everybody contributed when we needed them.”

With the NCAA Championships approaching quickly, Klempa has a lot of confidence in the group of Huskers using the tournament as a learning experience.

“We had some shots in the last match that were the difference, the team realizes when they are in April, in order for them to get where they want to go they need to hit the shots,” Klempa said. “They are dominate. They are a good team and I feel really confident they can build from this weekend.”

Nebraska started off its final day of competition against the host school Stephen F. Austin University, as the Huskers battled the Ladyjack's In a seven game match, winning 4-3 with a clutch 249-212 victory in the seventh game against SFA.

After a second round bye, NU then faced-off with LIU-Brooklyn in the championship match of the tournament. The Huskers battled Brooklyn in a tough seven game match, falling just short 233-203, to finish second in the tournament.

Leading the way for NU was senior Liz Kuhlkin, as the New York native compiled a 213 game average throughout the weekend despite battling strep throat. Kuhlkin placed 10th in the individual standings.

The Huskers will now travel to the Inaugural Hawk Flight Invite in Egg Harbor, N.J., Friday Feb. 20-22. Check back at Huskers.com for updates.