Huskers Win Central Missouri Mid-America Invite

Kansas City, Kan. - The top-ranked Nebraska bowling team went 5-0 in five traditional matches on Saturday to clinch its fourth tournament title of the season, winning the Central Missouri Mid-America Invitational with a total pinfall of 10,450 over two days of competition at KC Bowl in Kansas City, Kan. 

Kelly Belzeski won the first tournament title of her career, finishing first overall with a sizzling average of 226.6. Julia Bond finished second with an average of 226.4, while Meghan Straub finished third with an average of 200.

No. 11 Central Missouri finished second overall with a total pinfall of 9,320. NU finished the weekend with an overall record of 9-1.

The Huskers began the day with a 1,012-865 win over Maryville, followed by a 1,102-875 victory over Lincoln (Mo.).

NU won its only matchup against a ranked team, a 976-916 victory over hosts Central Missouri.

The Huskers closed the day with wins over Elmhurst, 997-903, and Drury, 1,154-846.

Nebraska will host the annual Big Red Invitational next Thursday through Saturday at Sun Valley Lanes in Lincoln. The Huskers have finished first in overall pinfall at the tournament in each of the last two seasons. The tournament will feature 10 teams, including each of the top three teams in the country and six ranked teams overall. The list of teams competing includes the Huskers, No. 2 Arkansas State, No. 3 McKendree, No. 11 Central Missouri, No. 14 Wisconsin-Whitewater, No. 23 Valparaiso, Drury, Maryville, Lincoln Memorial and Lincoln (Mo.). Thursday’s action starts at 5:30 p.m., with four sets of five-game Baker matches, followed by five team games on Friday at 10:25 a.m. and a two-round best-of-seven Baker format championship tournament on Saturday at 8:25 a.m. Promotional activities for Thursday’s action include a free slice of pizza and a drink for the first 100 fans, a student drawing for Beats headphones and other prizes. Admission to the tournament is free all weekend.

Central Missouri Mid-America Invitational Final Standings
1. Nebraska (10,450)
2. Central Missouri (9,320)
3. Elmhurst (9,077)
4. Maryville (9,030)
5. Drury (8,530)
6. Lincoln (Mo.) (8,437)

Central Missouri Mid-America Invitational
Kansas City, Kan. - KC Bowl
Friday, Feb. 24 - Five Five-Game Baker Matches - 4-1 Record
1. #1 Nebraska 1,048, Lincoln (Mo.) 944
2. #1 Nebraska 1,062, Maryville 862
3. #1 Nebraska 984, Drury 873
4. #11 Central Missouri 989, #1 Nebraska 988
5. #1 Nebraska 1,127, Elmhurst 867
Saturday, Feb. 25 - Five Traditional Team Matches - 5-0 Record
1. #1 Nebraska 1,012, Maryville 865
2. #1 Nebraska 1,102, Lincoln (Mo.) 875
3. #1 Nebraska 976, #11 Central Missouri 916
4. #1 Nebraska 997, Elmhurst 903
5. #1 Nebraska 1,154, Drury 846
Huskers in the Individual Standings (Average)
1. Kelly Belzeski (226.6)
2. Julia Bond (226.4)
3. Meghan Straub (200)
26. Raquel Orozco (209.7 - 3 games)
27. Briana Zabierek (191.3 - 3 games)
33. Allison Morris (204 - 2 games)
35. Gazmine Mason (182.5 - 2 games)