Second-ranked Nebraska won the Central Missouri Women’s Invitational Saturday evening, as potential winter weather shortened the three-day-event to only two days. The Huskers went 8-2 during the weekend in Baker Format, recording a total pinfall of 10,065, beating Vanderbilt University (7-3 record, 9,898 total pinfall).
Nebraska Interim Head Coach Paul Klempa was happy with the team performance during the weekend, noting that the team is starting to really have fun on the lanes together.
“The team did real well this weekend, it helps when your team is healthy, we have been battling the flu and various injuries for the past two tournaments,” Klempa said. “I think the team is starting to really gel and good preparation paid off.”
Leading the way for the Huskers was junior All-American Liz Kuhlkin, as Liz finished second in the individual standings, placing her on the all-tournament team. Kuhlkin recorded an average score of 224.4 over the weekend, including a high score of 245.
“This was her first tournament that she has been healthy in for a while--- she did very well,” Klempa said. “Liz is a superstar -- she really is. She is a very good player and we are just glad she is on our team.”
Sophomore Beth Hedley also was a bright spot for NU, as Hedley finished eighth in the individual standings. The England native recorded a weekend average of 209.4, with a high score of 221.
Coach Klempa believes that the win this weekend will fuel the fire for the Huskers as they have a three-day-week before traveling to Nashville for the Music City Classic on Thursday.
“We only have two days of practice before we travel to Nashville, so it was a really good thing we won this weekend,” Klempa said. “We will try and keep the team sharp, challenge them, to keep them interested as we move closer to the NCAA’s.”
Klempa does not think the short week of practice will hurt the Huskers.
“At this time of the year, we don’t have time to work on the basics, so you really have to bring your best game,” Klempa said. “Leading up to Nashville, with only two days we are going to try and stay active and confident."
