LORI GRIFFIN / Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Tuesday, April 11, 2006 7:00 pm
Sassy. One word describing the Nebraska women’s bowling team. After careful thought, it was the word that popped into sophomore Lindsay Baker’s head. “A couple of us are totally crazy,” Baker said. “And a couple are quiet. This keeps us even and makes the team a good match. With so many different personalities it evens out.”
Apparently, whatever kind of personality the Huskers have put together works. Top-ranked Nebraska will begin defense of its NCAA title Thursday at Emerald Lanes in Houston. It is the second time in three years the tournament has been held at Emerald Lanes.
The Huskers, the only team to win an NCAA championship since the tournament began in 2004, will be looking for their third straight title.
Nebraska, undefeated in tournaments this season, carries a 65-10 record into the tournament.
Baker, a two-year starter, is confident the team can three-peat.
“There’s no pressure as long as we stay together every day and do what we’ve been doing all year,” Baker said.
Senior Jamie Martin, a former walk-on from Millard West, described the team as dedicated.
“We are all dedicated to being better at this sport,” Martin said. “We always want to be the best out there, and while others want to treat it like a recreation sport, it’s a sport we have to condition for like any other.”
The Huskers have seven national titles, including five from the Intercollegiate Bowling Championships dating back to 1990.
Nebraska won IBC titles in 1991, 1995, 1997, 1999 and 2001. The 1997 title was the Huskers first as a varsity sport.
With just two seniors and the graduation loss of All-American and former World Cup champion Shannon Pluhowsky, many teams may have been looking past the Huskers this season.
“I think that other teams were looking for us to fall apart,” senior Karla Engh said. “This is the strongest team we’ve had since I’ve been here. So many teams have had back-to-back championships but not many can say they have won three in a row. It’s so amazing. I feel like we’re going to be able to do it.”
Determination has played a large role in the team’s success this season.
“There is always pressure when you are defending a championship,” junior Amanda Burgoyne said. “But we’re all determined to win our third title. We know we’re the best and are determined to come out No. 1.”
Nebraska will face perennial powers Central Missouri State and Fairleigh Dickinson, along with a second-year team in Vanderbilt.
Central Missouri State has been the runner-up to Nebraska the past two years.
The other squads competing are Alabama A&M, Bethune-Cookman, New Jersey City and Maryland-Eastern Shore.
The Husker contingent also includes junior Adrienne Miller and freshman Kelle Valenzuela.
“It’s such a tradition here at Nebraska,” Miller said. “It’s just so cool to be part of a legacy like this, and we just hope that the tradition is able to continue.”
Reach Lori Griffin at 473-7174 or lgriffin@journalstar.com.