Huskers begin 2025-26 campaign with Chelsea Gilliam Penguin Classic

Struthers, Ohio - The No. 2 Nebraska bowling team will travel this week to Struthers, Ohio, for their first tournament of the season, the Chelsea Gilliam Penguin Classic hosted by the defending NCAA champion Youngstown State from Oct. 17-19 at Holiday Bowl.

The NTCA preseason-ranked No. 2 Huskers will join a field of 18 other programs, including nine other preseason top 25 teams: No. 1 Jacksonville State, No. 3 Vanderbilt, No. 4 Youngstown State, No. 6 Arkansas State, No. 11 Sacred Heart, No. 12 Duquesne, No. 20 Wright State and No. 25 Niagara. The Big Red look to open the season with a strong start spearheaded by reigning NTCA Bowler of the Year, Jillian Martin.

Last season at the Penguin Classic, NU placed 1st out of 16 teams, going 11-2 with a total pinfall of 13,697 and a 214 average. The Huskers bested top programs like Wichita State, Youngstown State, and Arkansas State and were led by Brenna Hartzler, who finished sixth individually.

Previously the MOTIV Penguin Classic, Youngstown State renamed the event to the Chelsea Gilliam Penguin Classic in honor of the program's first coach and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The first ball will be thrown Friday at 8:30 a.m. (CT) as competition begins with five sets of five-game baker matches. The action continues on Saturday morning with five traditional matches, beginning at 8:25 a.m. (CT). Combined results from Friday and Saturday will decide the seeding for Sunday's bracket-play championship tournament, where each team will play three best-of-seven baker matches, beginning at 7:25 a.m. (CT).

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