The Nebraska bowling team begin their quest for a seventh NCAA title this October, as the Huskers unveiled their 2022-23 schedule on Friday.
"I am pleased with the schedule we were able to put together for this upcoming season," said Head Coach Paul Klempa, who begins is fourth season at Nebraska. "The schedule is very competitive from start to finish and will challenge our team throughout the regular season. We believe this schedule will prepare us for postseason competition which we hope to be involved in."
The nine-tournament regular-season schedule begins on Friday, Oct. 14, as the Huskers will travel to the MOTIV Penguin Classic in Youngstown, Ohio, for the first of four fall tournaments. It is also a new destination for the Huskers, as NU was originally scheduled to compete in the 2020 event, but the event was canceled because of COVID-19. The Huskers will also make treks to the Bearcat Hammer Open (Oct. 21-23), Track Kat Klash (Nov. 5-7) and the MOTIV Lady Jacks Classic (Nov. 11-13).
The Huskers made a tweak in their schedule this season, as NU will have four tournaments in the fall and five in the spring. Traditionally, NU would have six of its nine tournaments during the second semester, and Klempa believes this will help the Huskers in the long run.
"I think this change provides a good balance between both semesters, so the team has an easier time handling the demands of class work and team travel throughout the academic year," Klempa said.
After winter break, the Huskers resume action at the Stormin' Blue & White Classic in Las Vegas from Jan. 8-10. That will also be the site of the 2023 NCAA Championship in April.
The spring semester schedule is highlighted by the annual Big Red Invitational, which takes place from March 3-5 at Hollywood Bowl in Lincoln. It is the only home event for the Huskers in the 2022-23 season.
The other trips the Huskers will take include the Northeast Classic (Jan. 20-22), the Prairie View A&M Invitational (Jan. 27-29) and the Mid-Winter Invitational (Feb. 17-19).
For the second straight season, postseason play will begin with four NCAA regionals taking place April 7-8, with the NCAA Championship taking place in Las Vegas April 14-15.
The Huskers return five bowlers from last season's team which won five regular-season events, including All-Americans Crystal Elliott, Kendyl Hofmeister and Kayla Verstraete.