Huskers Thrive at Big Red Invitational

 Lincoln – The top-ranked Nebraska bowling team continued play at the Big Red Invitational, the team's only home tournament of the season, and went 5-0 in five traditional matches on Saturday. The Huskers currently have a record of 8-1 and a total pinfall of 9,653 to sit in second place after two days of competition, just two pins behind first-place Arkansas State.

 

The Huskers dominated individually, claiming three of the top five spots and four of the top 10 spots. Senior Julia Bond earned the top spot overall with an average of 232.6. Sophomore Raquel Orozco claimed second place as she posted a strong average 229.2, just one week after winning the first tournament title of her career at the Central Missouri Mid-America Invitational. Junior Meghan Straub took fourth place after bowling a nearly perfect game against Drury (289), contributing to her final average of 222.8. 

 

Senior Kelly Belzeski posted an average of 214, good for eighth-place in the individual standings.

 

The Huskers kicked off the day with a strong victory over No. 20 Wisconsin Whitewater 1,130-921, before defeating No. 15 Central Missouri 1,067-966.

 

In their next game against No. 25 Valparaiso, the Huskers defeated the Crusaders by a score of 1,078-1,016.

 

The Cornhuskers continued their streak, taking down No. 22 Maryville, 1,071-988.

 

NU closed the day with a critical victory over third-ranked Arkansas State, taking down the Red Wolves,1,060-996.

 

The Huskers will face Prairie View A&M in the opening round of the best-of-seven Baker format championship tournament on Sunday morning at 8:55 a.m. (CT).

 

Big Red Invitational Overall Standings (Pinfall after two days of competition)

Arkansas State (9,655)

Nebraska (9,653)

McKendree (9,191)

Central Missouri (8,775)

Wisconsin, Whitewater (8,452)

Lincoln Memorial (8,439)

Maryville (8,422)

Valparaiso (8,352)

Prairie View A&M (8,285)

Drury (8,063)