Huskers Advance To Final Four

Kansas City, Mo. - The Nebraska bowling team rebounded from Wednesday's opening-round loss to battle back through the bracket, knocking off previously unbeaten Vanderbilt twice on Thursday in regional play to advance to the Final Four.

"Outstanding performance from the team this evening," Head Coach Paul Klempa stated. "With their season on the line at all times and a long road to get through the regional bracket, they continued to persevere, grind and perform like champions. Cassidy Ray and Crystal Elliott made extremely clutch shots when their team needed them most in a game seven for all the marbles. Incredible performances under intense pressure. Gwen Maeha also made several key shots throughout the match that helped set things up for her teammates. We now have to sleep quick as the final four begins in the morning with a match versus Arkansas State. The team is still hungry and our goals remain in front of us."

In a traditional-style game, NU fell to Vanderbilt 952-1,003 to fall to 0-1 in the series. Ray remained consistent by leading the team in scoring with 222. Maeha scored 196, followed by 194 by Kayla Verstraete. Michelle Guarro scored 187 as Elliott rounded out the team, scoring 153.

Following the loss, the bowlers continued the mega match format with by defeating the Commodores, 1103-1056 in the five-game baker format, taking control of the match with a score of 257 in the third game and eventually building an 86-point margin after the fourth of five games.  The lineup of Guarro, Maeha, Verstraete, Ray and Elliott posted two three scores of 220 or better in taking the match. 

This victory tied up the overall series at 1-1 leading to a third matchup between the two teams which would be a best-of-seven baker style matchup. NU took an early lead with a 209-172 win and followed it up with a 242-194 victory to lead 2-0. Vanderbilt came back to win the third game 205-192 to avoid a shutout. The Huskers would claim the last two games 190-180 and 244-192 to force another matchup.

Beating Vanderbilt 2-1 forced a best-of-seven baker-style matchup to decide who advanced to the Final Four. The Huskers claimed the first game 211-194 before falling 189-248 in the second. NU won 259-213 in game three before VU tied the series at 2-2 with a 223-202 win. The process repeated with NU taking game five 216-181 and VU game six 236-145. With everything on the line, the Huskers won game seven 214-191 to advance to the Final Four.

The semifinals will have a distinct Nebraska flavor, with all four teams featuring coaches who competed for the Nebraska men's club program, including Husker head coach Paul Klempa, Arkansas State's head coach Justin Kostik, Youngstown State's head coach Doug Kuberski, and McKendree's director of bowling and associate head coach, Bryan O'Keefe.

Nebraska continues bowling Friday morning at 9 a.m.  Fans can watch all of the action on NCAA.com