Huskers End NCAA Championship Quest

Omaha, Neb.-The Nebraska bowling team was unable to capture a third NCAA Championship after two disappointing losses in the beginning rounds of bracket-play competition at Thunder Alley on Friday morning.

 

"The worst portion of it that we let down is the fan base," Nebraska Coach Bill Straub said. "We haven't had an opportunity in a long time to have this much support and this much anticipation from the University."

 

Top-seeded Nebraska began the day on a rough note, falling to the University of Central Missouri, 1-4. Central Missouri started off the match with a 179-156 victory over the Huskers. Nebraska fired up in the second game with a 192-186 win. However, NU was unable to pull through in the last three games, falling to the Jennies, 176-180, 173-174 and 168-180.

 

The Huskers then moved into the elimination bracket where they matched up against fifth-seeded Minnesota-Mankato. MSU came out swinging with an early 192-169 win in the first game. Nebraska shot several open frames throughout the next three games to fall to Minnesota-Mankato, 0-4 (192-169, 196-183, 176-132, 214-156).

 

With two losses, Nebraska has completed its championship tenure. Although NU is not playing in the nationally-televised National Championship tomorrow night at 7 p.m., Husker fans are still encouraged to come join in the action at Thunder Alley. Not only will two of the best bowling teams in the nation be competing, but Nebraska players may be honored with all-tournament team awards. Sophomore Cassandra Leuthold placed first in the individual competition, while Senior Lindsay Baker held the second-place spot.

 

"Omaha's record of fan support at the NCAA championships tournaments held here is outstanding," Straub said. "Fans should certainly wander to Thunder Alley to see tomorrow's finals. It should be very entertaining and a good competition."