LINCOLN, Neb. – The Lincoln Memorial University women's bowling team continues its season at the Big Red Invitational, hosted by No. 1 Nebraska, Friday through Sunday at Sun Valley Lanes.
 
The tournament will feature 10 teams, including each of the top three teams in the country and eight ranked teams overall. Besides No. 24 LMU and Nebraska, No. 2 McKendree, No. 3 Arkansas State, No. 15 Central Missouri, No. 20 Wisconsin-Whitewater, No. 22 Maryville, No. 25 Valparaiso, Prairie View A&M (RV) and Drury will compete.
 
"Every match is going to be very competitive for both sides," LMU Director of Bowling and Women's Head Coach Joseph Slowinski said.
 
Lincoln Memorial last competed in the Crusader Classic three weeks ago and finished seventh out of 13 teams. However, the Lady Railsplitters were without two of their top performers in Christine Hansen and Justine Brookover. Both are expected back this week. Mary-Kate Kersting stepped up in their absence and finished 10^th individually out of 89 competitors.
 
The Lady Railsplitters have faced the Cornhuskers three times this season and nearly took them down in a 1057-1016 loss in the Warhawk Classic back in November. The Cornhuskers have also topped LMU 1050-927 at the Bearcat Open and 970-891 at the Crusader Classic.
 
"The lane environment is similar to what we'll face in the East Coast Conference Championship," Slowinski said. "It's a long trip but is certainly getting us ready for late March."
 
LMU, 47-40 overall, can reach the 50-win milestone this weekend. The team has 18 wins over top-25 opponents with three against teams ranked in the top 10. The Lady Railsplitters are 32-17 over their last four tournaments with one championship and runner-up finish.
 
"Going to the top program in collegiate bowling history is exciting," Slowinski said. "It's something that we enjoy."