Las Vegas, Nev. – Alone they stand as the undefeated team in a 20 member field, the Huskers have secured their third place seed at the Stormin’ Blue & White Vegas Classic after a 4-0 run, bringing their overall tournament record to 9-0 and a 9,751 total pinfall.
In the first of five traditional matches, the Huskers met No. 20 Oklahoma Christian. NU started off strong with three games over 200 as Jillian Martin led the Huskers with a 233, Kayla Verstraete shot 212 and Breanna Hartzler rolled a 205. Kathryn Bowman (197) and Lani Breedlove (196) also had good showings in the Huskers’ 1043-926 victory over Oklahoma Christian.
With a 6-0 overall record, NU then had a bye match. Martin continued her strong performance with a 210, Bowman rolled a 208 and Hartzler (192), Breedlove (181) and Verstraete (168) rounded out the group. After two games, Martin sat in eighth overall with a 221.5 average and Bowman was in 22nd with 405 pins.
The Huskers then faced No. 15 Mount St. Mary’s in match three. Bowman recorded her third-straight 200 game as she rolled a 202. Martin (187), Verstraete (184), Breedlove (181) and Hartzler (170) joined Bowman for a close 924-918 victory over Mount St. Mary’s. Before the final two games, Martin was in 15th overall (630 pins) and Bowman was 21st (607 pins).
A familiar foe in match four, No. 8 Duquesne would continue the Huskers 7-0 record. Martin led the Huskers with a strong 229, while Breedlove followed close with a 214. Bowman showed good with 195 and Hartzler right behind at 192. Verstraete rounded out the Big Red with a 189 before facing their final match.
The final match would prove to be the most demanding lane pair of the day. Ending the day against Adelphi, Verstrate lead at 202. Bowman and Breedlove would provide double 190’s with Breedlove tallying 193 and Bowman one pin shy at 192. Lanes that required perfection would keep Hartlzer at 151 and Martin at 145. Despite lower daily scores, the Huskers secured their ninth win of the tournament with an 883 against Adelphis 842, securing ttheir place as the third overall seed and a chance for the tournament title.
The Huskers continue competition at the Stormin’ Blue & White Vegas Classic tomorrow starting at 10:00 a.m. (CT). Each team will compete in three rounds of Best-of-seven Baker matches to determine final tournament placements with the first round against No. 8 Duquesne.
Stay up to date with the action by following the Nebraska Women’s Bowling Twitter (@NEBowling), Instagram (@huskerbowling) and Facebook.
Additionally, all matches will be broadcasted on BOWL.com (subscription to bowltv required).
