Buchert Keeps Huskers in Second on Day Two

Fairview Heights, Ill. - The fifth-ranked Nebraska Bowling team ended day two of the Bearcat Classic remaining in second place, going 4-1 for an overall 9-1 record. The Huskers recorded a total pinfall of 10,457 with a 209.1 average through two days.

The Big Red began the day with their first of five traditional matches against Aurora. The starting lineup for the Huskers was the same as the previous day: Desiree Buchert, Haley Swindle, Brenna Hartzler, Kayla Starr and Karina Capron. Nebraska maintained a consistent lead against the Spartans, never once falling behind despite early struggles from part of the lineup. In the ninth frame, NU elected to swap out Swindle for Lani Breedlove's first action of the season. who proceeded to fill the frame with a spare. Ultimately, the Huskers cruised to a 986-799 victory. They were led by Buchert with 219, followed by Starr with 207, Hartzler with 202 and Capron with 201, while Swindle and Breedlove combined for 157.

Match two pitted the Huskers against Quincy. Errors plagued the Big Red early in this one, keeping the game close. In the seventh frame, Breedlove was replaced by Alejandra Sandoval, and a Husker rout was on as every member of the lineup began throwing strikes and filling frames. Buchert led again, finishing with 248, followed by 224 from Hartzler, Capron with 206 and Starr with 193 while Breedlove and Sandoval combined for 181. The Huskers won the match 1,050-863.

Next up was a match against the tournament hosts, No. 15 McKendree. The Bearcats were the toughest challenge yet for the Big Red, keeping the match close throughout. Great ninth and tenth frames from the Huskers' roster allowed the Big Red to pull away and win the match 1,052-1,015. Hartzler led the Huskers this time around with 255, followed closely by Starr with 244. Buchert contributed 189, Capron 184 and Sandoval added 180.

The fourth match of the day was against Western Illinois. The Huskers shot a phenomenal game, winning 1,113-807. Leading the way was Buchert yet again, coming short of a perfect game after nine-consecutive strikes with a tally of 261. She was followed by Sandoval with 246, Capron with 214, Starr shooting 210 and Hartzler contributing 182.

The fifth and final match of day two had the Huskers face off against No. 3 Wichita State. The Big Red faltered for the first time, as the Shockers posted a dominant 1,131-937 win to hand Nebraska its first loss of the tournament. Capron led the team with 218, followed by Starr with 192 and Buchert with 190. Hartzler added 180 and Sandoval tacked on 157.

Individually, Buchert led all bowlers with an 1,105 pinfall for a 221.0 average. Starr and Hartzler were eighth and ninth, respectively, the former shooting 1,046 for a 209.2 average and the latter 1,043 for a 208.6 average. The last Husker finishing in the top 15 was Capron with 1,023 and a 204.6 average.

The Huskers will return to the lanes tomorrow, Nov. 15, at 8:30 a.m. CT for one more Baker Five match against No. 1 Jacksonville State to complete the round robin. Afterwards, total pinfall will determine the seeding for bracket play.

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