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Struthers, Ohio – The Nebraska bowling team defeated Youngstown State in Sunday's championship match to kick off the 2022-23 campaign by winning the Motiv Penguin Classic.
The Huskers started Sunday's play with three-straight traditional match wins, defeating St. Francis (PA) 1,018-850, Aurora 976-814 and No. 20 Lewis 1,045-982. The combined total pinfall from these matches as well as Friday's and Saturday's sent the Big Red to the championship match to face Youngstown State.
Nebraska started strong with a first-game win (203-188), before the Penguins battled back to claim the second game (224-175). The Big Red grabbed the 2-1 lead with a win in the third game (223-208), before YSU evened the match at two games apiece with a 222-203 win in the fourth game. Nebraska took control again with a 194-170 win in the fifth game.
The Huskers claimed the tournament crown with a dominant 221-165 victory, to take the series 4-2. Nebraska finished 13-1 overall at the tournament with a total pinfall of 13,298.
"This was an excellent start to the season for the team. We are playing at a high level right now considering it's the beginning of the season," Head Coach Paul Klempa said. "I am happy with the team's performance and thankful for the victory. We have two days of practice before the next event next weekend and we will put them to good use."
Freshman Jillian Martin (218.13 average) took first in the individual portion of the event, while senior Crystal Elliott followed closely behind in second place with a 217.13 average. Seniors Kendyl Hofmeister (203.38 average) and Amara Smith Speights (198.00 average) also had impressive season-opening performances as they finished in 10th and 17th respectively.
Nebraska returns to the lanes Oct. 21-23 at the Bearcat Hammer Open in Fairview Heights, Ill.
Motiv Penguin Classic Final Standings
No. 3 Nebraska
No. 9 Youngstown State
No. 6 Arkansas State
No. 13 Duquesne
Mercyhurst
Medaille
No. 21 Central Missouri
No. 19 Morgan State
Saint Francis (PA.)
No. 20 Lewis
Wright State
Valparaiso
Walsh
Aurora