Huskers in Top Three at MOTIV Penguin Classic

Struthers, Ohio - The No. 3 Nebraska bowling team went 3-1 during their first day of competition at the Motiv Penguin Classic, tallying a pinfall of 4,947 and finishing the day in third place.

The Big Red started the day with a bye, allowing additional warmup and adjustment time, finishing with a pinfall of 925.

The Huskers then faced Bryant in their second match of the day. The Bulldogs remained consistent through their first four games (179,173,178, 200) but lane challenges and multiple open frames would cause their fifth and final game to drop to 146, giving them a final pinfall of 876. Nebraska started slow with a 156 in game one, but was able to gain momentum with scores of 174, 224,190 and 219 to end with a 963 win over the Bulldogs. 

Nebraska moved on to face Lewis in match three. The Flyers started slow with scores of 143 and 187 in games one and two but caught fire in game three with a score of 289. The Flyers would finish the match with 150 in game four and 212 in game five to end with a 981 pinfall. The Huskers remained close to Lewis throughout the match (192,164, 213,193) but a missed 10 pin in the tenth frame would allow Lewis to sneak by with the Huskers falling 953-981.

Match four would be the first ranked match of the season with No. 25 Morgan State. The Bears fought against tough lane conditions throughout the match with a high of 208 in game three. Shooting a 169 and 155 in games one and two respectively, the Bears would finish with a 163 and 144 to end with a 839 total. The Huskers scored 198 in game one and 212 in game two before dipping slightly with a 180 score. The Big Red ended game four with a 197 before sealing the win with a 214 game to end with a 1,001 pinfall.

In the fifth and final match of the day, the Huskers faced No. 16 Mercyhurst, a repeat of last season’s match at the NCAA Regionals where the Huskers won 2-0. The Big Red followed close in game one with a score of 182 before striking back big with a 238 in game two. The Huskers continued the momentum with a 222 in game three and 236 in game four. Nebraska sealed up its third match victory with a 227 in game five for a 1,105-876 win.

The Huskers return to the lanes tomorrow morning at 8:25 a.m. (CT) against Saint Francis (Pa.) in a traditional match, followed by matches against No. 19 Central Missouri, No. 6 Youngstown State, Wright State and Valparaiso.

Stay up to date with the action by following the Nebraska Women's Bowling Twitter (@HuskerBowling), Instagram (@huskerbowling) and Facebook.

Motiv Penguin Classic Current Standings (Pinfall after first day of competition):

No. 2 Arkansas State (5,175)

No. 6 Youngstown State (5,105)

No. 3 Nebraska (4,947)

Valparaiso (4,828)

No. 11 Duquesne (4,745)

No. 16 Mercyhurst (4,689)

Niagara (4,659)

No. 25 Morgan State (4,647)

No. 19 Central Missouri (4,636)

Lewis (4,615)

Wright State (4,508)

Bryant (4,500) 

Saint Francis (Pa.) (4,431)