LINCOLN, Neb. - Facing some of the stiffest competition in the nation, the Elmhurst College bowling team placed eighth at the Big Red Invitational hosted by the University of Nebraska.

Elmhurst placed eighth out of 10 teams based on team average. The seven teams finishing in front of the Bluejays were all ranked among the top-13 teams in the nation. Elmhurst finished the three game tournament with a 4-6 overall record.

The Bluejays opened the tournament with a 2-1 mark on day one. Competing in four-game total-pinfall Baker matches, the Bluejays downed fourth-ranked Central Missouri 776-683 and then knocked off fifth-ranked Sm Houston State 760-665. Elmhurst was down by top-ranked Maryland-Eastern Shore 739-681 to close the day.

On day two of the tournament, the Bluejays posted a 1-3 record while competing in standard five-player games. The Bluejays fell to third-ranked Nebraska 1050-893, despite Amanda Warwick rolling a team-leading 223. Shannon Grimes added a 193 in the loss to Nebraska. Elmhurst followed with a 938-926 loss to sixth-ranked Arkansas State. Grimes bowled a 215 to lead Elmhurst in the loss while Ann Bialk totaled a 193. Elmhurst fell to 12th-ranked Vanderbilt 1059-885 despite four bowlers rolling over a 180. Sarah Paul led the way with a 195 while Warwick rolled a 190. Alyssa Vogler bowled a 185 and Grimes added a 180 in the loss. Elmhurst snapped a three-game skid by upending 19th-ranked Minnesota State-Mankato 854-814 with Warwick bowling a team-leading 234 in the victory.

The Bluejays finished the tournament with a 1-2 record on day three. Competing in best-of-seven Baker matches, the Bluejays began the day with a 4-2 win over Bethune-Cookman. Elmhurst closed the tournament with a 4-1 loss to 13th-ranked Valparaiso and a 4-3 loss to Nebraska.

Elmhurst now stands at 32-37 overall, including a 17-26 record in NCAA competition.