Huskers Open Season at Columbia 300 Saints Invite

Lincoln - The fourth ranked Nebraska bowling team will open its 2021 season at the Columbia 300 Saints Invite this weekend.

"We are excited to get back to competition after 10 months since our last competitive event," Head Coach Paul Klempa, who begins his second season, said. "The team has been waiting patiently, and we like the competitive schedule we have been able to coordinate during these challenging times. The team needs the competition and so do the coaches."

Nebraska returns four starters, including All-Americans Cassidy Ray and Leah Glazer. Senior Michelle Guarro and Amara Smith-Speights also return after starting last season, a year where the Huskers were ranked in the top five nationally before the postseason was canceled. NU was scheduled to compete last weekend at Youngstown State, but the tournament was canceled days before it was scheduled to begin.

Joining the Huskers in the 12-team field will be top-ranked McKendree, No. 10 Youngstown State, No. 18 Maryville, No. 23 Lincoln Memorial, Drury, Kentucky Wesleyan, Lewis, Quincy, Spalding, Tusculum, and Upper Iowa.

The bowlers will begin Friday morning against Upper Iowa, one of five matches on Friday. NU is also slated to face No. 18 Maryville, Spalding, Lewis and No. 1 McKendree. Saturday's schedule begins with the Huskers take on Quincy. Other matches Saturday include No. 10 Youngstown State, No. 23 Lincoln Memorial and Drury.  The Huskers will finish up non-bracket play against Kentucky Wesleyan before being seeded in the bracket.

Columbia 300 Saints Invite Teams Competing

No. 1 McKendree
No. 4 Nebraska
No. 10 Youngstown State
No. 18 Maryville
No. 23 Lincoln Memorial
Drury
Kentucky Wesleyan
Lewis
Quincy
Spalding
Tusculum
Upper Iowa