Huskers Place Second at Music City Classic

Lincoln – The Nebraska bowling team placed second at the Music City Classic on Sunday as NU fell 1-4-1 to top-ranked McKendree.

Despite having gone 1-2 on the day, Head Coach Paul Klempa was pleased with the team’s performance.

“The team continued playing at a high level again today,” Klempa stated. “We lost a very tight match in the final – tying one game, losing another by one pin and a third game by three. Those games all could have gone either way, and we were on the wrong side of each of them. Each tournament we have played better than the last. I am pleased with the team’s progress these past few weeks. They are building some serious momentum as we approach the postseason.”

NU began the day against McKendree. McKendree took an early lead having won the first game 182-139, but the Huskers fought back to even the series at 1-1 with a 167-158 win. Nebraska fell in the third and fourth games 215-234 and 209-178. The bowlers wouldn’t give up as they bowled their way to a 188-164 victory in the fifth game to bring the record to 2-3. McKendree won the sixth game 193-144 to take the series 4-2.

The Huskers looked to build some momentum in the second match of the day versus No. 4 North Carolina A&T. NU fell in the first two games 161-178 and 231-233. Looking at a 0-2 deficit, NU never looked back, sweeping the last four games 204-202, 207-169, 206-202 and 222-214. This win put NU at a 1-1 record on the day and in the championship match.

In a rematch against McKendree, the Huskers took a commanding 242-186 win in the opener. NU fell in the second game however, 257-244 before tying in the third game at 204 apiece. The record stood at 1-1-1. The bowlers narrowly fell in the next two games 192-193 and 222-224 before McKendree won the matchup, taking game six 182-170.

The Huskers will return to competition March 12-14 in Jonesboro, Ark. at the Hijinx Bowling Center.

Music City Classic Results

1. No. 1 McKendree

2. No. 5 Nebraska

3. No. 4 North Carolina A&T

4. No. 6 Louisiana Tech

5. No. 17 Tulane

6. No. 16 Stephen F. Austin

7. No. 8 Sam Houston State

8. No. 22 Central Missouri

9. No. 3 Vanderbilt 

10. No. 14 Maryville

11. No. 15 Lincoln Memorial

12. No. 25 Valparaiso

13. Alabama State

14. Jackson State

15. Tusculum

16. No. 23 Wisconsin-Whitewater

17. No. 21 UAB

18. Kentucky Wesleyan

19. Spalding