Huskers End Season with Third Tournament Title

Lincoln, Neb.- The Nebraska bowling team led day three of match play at the Big Red Invite with an overall record of 6-6 to claim the tournament title, marking the team’s third tournament title this season. The tournament featured seven of the top 25 collegiate bowling teams in the country, as the Huskers finished with a total pinfall of 12,801 and the highest team per game average of 217.0. The Huskers end their 2023 regular season 80-37.

The Huskers brought the heat in the first round of best-of-seven baker with a sweep against the Upper Iowa Peacocks, who were the 10th seed of the tournament. Nebraska won all four games, each with scores above 200 (235-144), (217-194), (222-215) and (245-199).  

The Big Red then faced No. 4 Arkansas State who received the No. 2 seed of the tournament. The Red Wolves pushed Nebraska with a triple win (209-199), (210-195), and (235-207). Nebraska was able to steal a win in game four (237-219) before Arkansas State sealed game five with a win (214-210). The Huskers remained in the top spot based on team per game averages for all three days of the tournament.  

Five Huskers finished in the top 25 individual standings. Senior Crystal Elliott lead the Huskers in second with a total pinfall of 1,153 and an average of 230.60. Senior Kendyl Hofmeister followed Elliott in 11th with 1,102. Freshman Jillian Martin sat at 13th with 1,097 and Anna Callan in 19th with 1,066. Junior Kayla Verstraete rounded out the team in 22nd with a total pinfall of 1,057.   

Nebraska awaits the announcements of the 2023 NCAA Bowling Regional Championships on Wed., March 29th, during the NCAA bowling selection show.  

Big Red Invitational Final Standings:

1. No. 3 Nebraska

2. No. 4 Arkansas State

3. No. 13 Newman   

4. No. 7 Youngstown State 

5. No. 20 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

6. No. 21 Lincoln Memorial  

7. Valparaiso 

8. No. 17 University of Central Missouri 

9. Quincy 

10. Upper Iowa