Three Huskers in Top Five after Perfect Day at Big Red Invite

Lincoln, Neb. - The first-ranked Nebraska bowling team went 4-0 in its second day of competition at the Big Red Invitational, remaining in first place, tallying a total pinfall of 9,731 with a 216.2 average.

The Big Red began day two in their first traditional match against No. 7 Wichita State and started with Brenna Hartzler, Anna Callan, Kayla Verstraete, Kayla Starr and Jillian Martin. Martin led the way for the Cornhuskers, tallying eight strikes and a 246. Verstraete bowled a clean 224, and Hartzler added a clean 217. Callan rolled a 211 for NU, and Starr added a 206 to the team score, as all Huskers finished over the 200-pin mark, taking down the Shockers, 1,104-1,077. 

In match two, the Cornhuskers faced No. 13 McKendree. Behind six strikes to close the match, Verstraete put up the highest score by a Husker for the day with a 269. Martin tallied eight strikes and rolled a 226. Behind five consecutive strikes, Starr scored a 219. Hartzler added a 206 for NU. Karina Capron was substituted for Callan mid-match, and the two combined for a 172 as Nebraska edged the Bearcats, 1,092-1,084, behind a strong 10th frame. 

In the third, Nebraska took on No. 4 Arkansas State. Verstraete led the scoring for the Big Red again, putting up a 231. Hartzler followed closely, rolling a 222 behind eight strikes. Starr (169) and Capron (155) rounded out the team’s score as the Cornhuskers took down the Red Wolves, 960-909, moving to 3-0 on the day. 

In the fourth and final match of day two, the Huskers bowled against Central Missouri in a positional round. Martin started the match off with seven strikes, and finished with a 262. Desiree Buchert was subbed in for Capron and she rolled a 225. Hartzler bowled a 224 for the Big Red and Starr scored a 206. Verstraete added a clean 199 as NU took down the Jennies, 1,116-1,001, behind a 33-20 strike margin in the match, finishing the day a perfect 4-0. 

Four Huskers currently sit in the top 15 for individual performances. Verstraete is second overall with a total pinfall of 923 and a 230.75 average. Martin is in third with a total pinfall of 917 and average of 229.25. Hartzler sits at fourth with a total pinfall of 869 and a 217.25 average. Starr is in 14th with a total pinfall of 800 with a 200 average. 

The Huskers return to the lanes tomorrow morning at 8:55 a.m. (CT) against No. 13 McKendree in a best 4-of-7 baker match, followed by an additional best 4-of-7 baker matches, to determine final placements. 

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

Big Red Invitational Standings (Average After Second Day of Competition)
No. 1 Nebraska (216.2)
No. 7 Wichita State (207.4)
No. 4 Arkansas State (202.2)
No. 13 McKendree (198.6)
No. 25 Valparaiso (191.7)
Central Missouri (190.5)
Elmhurst (176.1)
Quincy (127.4)