Huskers Host Big Red Invitational

Lincoln - The Nebraska bowling team will host its lone home tournament of the 2021 season this weekend. The event takes place from Friday, Feb. 26 to Sunday, Feb. 28 at Hollywood Bowl.

No media or fans will be allowed to attend the events due to COVID-19 restrictions.  The tournament will be streamed from the Nebraska Women's Bowling Facebook page.

The tournament features nine of the top 25 teams in the nation, including the top four teams in the country. The 11 teams comprising the meet are top-ranked McKendree, No. 2 Vanderbilt, No. 3 Arkansas State, No. 4 Nebraska, No. 8 Youngstown State, No. 9 Maryville, No. 11 Lincoln Memorial, No. 19 Valparaiso, No. 22 Central Missouri, Quincy and Upper Iowa.

"We are very excited to be hosting this 11 team field in Lincoln this weekend," said Nebraska Head Coach Paul Klempa. "The competition will be fierce with the top four teams in the country in attendance, along with five more that are in the top 25 in the latest poll. This will be a good test for our team and they embrace the challenge. Our only regret is that our fans will not be able to be in attendance. They bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to our events and we will all surely miss the fan support."

NU, which has been ranked fourth in both of the NTCA polls, boasts a strong 17-8 record this season and is 8-4 against teams in attendance. Crystal Elliott placed fourth at the Columbia 300 Saints invite and Gwen Maeha and Kayla Verstraete placed eighth and ninth respectively at the Prairie View Invite.

The Huskers begin action on Friday at 9 a.m. with Baker-style matches against No. 8 Youngstown State. Following that matchup, will be contests against Upper Iowa and No. 19 Valparaiso.  NU will also face Quincy before rounding out the day against No. 2 Vanderbilt.

The event resumes Saturday morning at 9:10 a.m. with Traditional-style matches. Following a bye, NU will take on top-ranked McKendree, No.9 Maryville, No. 3 Arkansas State and No. 11 Lincoln Memorial to round out the second day.

Sunday consists of two rounds of bracket play after all the teams have one last Traditional-style match at 8:55 a.m. that morning. Nebraska's last traditional style match opponent will be No. 22 Central Missouri.

Teams Competing at the Big Red Invite
No. 1 McKendree 
No. 2 Vanderbilt
No. 3 Arkansas State
No. 4 Nebraska
No. 8 Youngstown State
No. 9 Maryville
No. 11 Lincoln Memorial
No. 19 Valparaiso
No. 22 Central Missouri
Quincy
Upper Iowa