Three Huskers finish top-fifteen at U22 Queens, two make Junior Team USA

Orlando, Fla. - Three Huskers bowlers have ended their run in the U22 Queens Tournament in the top 15. Desiree Buchert led the trio of Cornhuskers, finishing seventh, followed by Abby Starkey in ninth and Haley Swindle in thirteenth. The latter two also qualified for Junior Team USA 2027 after respectively finishing third and fourth of all eligible bowlers.

Swindle finished the qualifying rounds with a 2,943 pinfall, earning the No. 10 seed. She won her first match of bracket play 398-353 before being sent to the elimination bracket in by Buchert in round two, 419-405. Swindle survived her first elimination match 466-456 before falling in her second match to No. 15 seed Erin Klemencic, 450-420.

Starkey claimed the No. 8 seed with her qualifier performance, shooting a total pinfall of 3,023. She came out on top in her first bracket match, 455-453, before being sent to the elimination bracket by the No. 1 seed and eventual champion, Melia Mitskavich, 490-413. Starkey played Klemencic directly after Swindle did, falling in similar fashion, 395-350.

Buchert ended the qualifier as the No. 7 seed, knocking 3,028 pins in the process. She faced her teammate Swindle in her first bracket match, claiming victory before losing to No. 2 seed and eventual runner-up Katelyn Abigania 447-386. Buchert stayed alive after winning her first elimination match, 364-355, before her run was ended by No. 22 seed Savannah Burgin, 439-416.

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