Husker Duo in Top Five, NU Remains Third in Ohio

Struthers, Ohio - The No. 3 Nebraska bowling team went 2-3 on the second day of competition at the Motiv Penguin Classic, tallying a pinfall of 9,767 and bringing their overall record to 5-4, finishing the day in third place.

The Big Red started the day slowly as the team faced Saint Francis (Pa.) in the first traditional match of the weekend. Freshman Brenna Hartzler led the Huskers with a 201 score followed by freshman Desiree Buchert. Demanding oil patterns would prove challenging with Jillian Martin tallying a 192 and Anna Callan and Alexis Buchert rounding out the team with 162. Errors in the 10th frame allowed SFU to top the Huskers, 939-913.

The Huskers then faced No. 19 Central Missouri in the second match. The demanding pair kept both the Jennies and Huskers below a 900 score with Desiree Buchert leading the Big Red with a 188. Callan followed closely with a 185 and Hartzler with a 183. Martin finished with a 149, while Alexis Buchert bowled a 139. Central Missouri took advantage of the Huskers’ difficulties, winning 865-844, as NU fell to 0-2 in traditional play. 

Nebraska then moved to its highest ranked match so far, as the Huskers faced No. 6 Youngstown State, the tournament host. Both teams found success quickly as Martin led the Huskers with a 245, Desiree Buchert tallied eight marks to earn a 235, Hartzler scored a 226 and Callan finished with a 201. Marissa Cosentini subbed in for Alexis Buchert in the leadoff position and bowled a 161. The Penguins had a strong 10th frame, but Martin struck out in  the final frame to give the Huskers their first victory of the day, 1068-1023.

In match four, the Huskers faced Wright State. Hartzler paced the Huskers with her highest score so far, 254. Callan finished with 211 and Martin bowled a 202 respectively, while Desiree Buchert added a 190 to the team score. Lani Breedlove made her collegiate debut swapping the leadoff position with Cosentini shooting a 149.

Match five would prove to be another battle for the Big Red. Nebraska faced Valparaiso in its final match of the day. Breedlove remained in the leadoff position tallying a 200 with Hartzler close by with 196. Callan added a 171 to the team score with Desiree Buchert shooting a 164. Martin would lead the Huskers with a massive 258, but Valpo bowler Allie Eible would use a 10-mark game to carry the Beacons to victory (1014-989).

A trio of Huskers currently sit in the top 25 for individual performances. Hartzler is second overall with a total pinfall of 1,060 and a 212.00 average, and Martin is in fourth with a 1,046 pinfall and 209.20 average. Desiree Buchert rounds out the team in the top 25 at 19 with a 973 total and a 194.60 average.

The Huskers return to the lanes tomorrow morning at 7:25 a.m. (CT) against Niagara in a five-game baker match, followed by two additional baker matches against No. 11 Duquesne and No. 2 Arkansas State. The combined results from the first two days, in addition to the three Sunday baker matches, will seed each team for one final best-of-seven baker match for final placements.

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

Current Standings (Pinfall after second day of competition): 

No. 2 Arkansas State (10,103)
No. 6 Youngstown State (10,102
No. 3 Nebraska (9,767)
Niagara (9,522)
Valparaiso (9,478)
No. 11 Duquesne (9,453)
No. 16 Mercyhurst (9,322)
No. 19 Central Missouri (9,320)
Lewis (9,234)
No. 25 Morgan State (9,023)
Saint Francis (Pa.) (8,954)
Bryant (8,894)
Wright State (8,842)