Huskers Advance To Final Four

Kansas City, Mo. – The Nebraska bowling team defeated Vanderbilt twice in a thrilling matchup 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 proceeded to play in a baker-style matchup. The lineup was Guarro, Maeha, Verstraete, Ray and Elliott. NU came out strong, taking the first game 223-183, but fell 192-224 in the second. With the series tied at 1-1, NU took the third game 257-186 and game four 234-227. VU would take the last game 236-197.

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.

Nebraska continues bowling Friday morning at 9:00 a.m.