Huskers Claim Game One Over No. 19 Michigan, 3-2

The Nebraska softball team claimed its conference opener with a 3-2 victory over the Michigan Wolverines (18-8, 0-1 Big Ten). The Huskers moved to 20-9 and 1-0 in the Big Ten with the first victory for NU in Ann Arbor. 

Freshman Ava Bredwell led the Huskers on offense with a two-run homer in the third inning, putting the Big Red on the board first. In the circle, Olivia Ferrell (11-4) recorded the win after tossing 5.1 innings, holding the Wolverines to four hits while striking out five. Courtney Wallace earned her second save of the season, pitching 1.2 innings and holding Michigan to one hit.

Alex Storako (13-2) took the loss for Michigan, which fell to 18-8 on the season. She allowed three runs (two earned) in 7.0 innings. 

The Huskers grabbed the lead in the top of the third inning. With one out, Abbie Squier hit a single up the middle. Ava Bredwell followed with a two-run homer over the left field fence to go ahead 2-0. 

The Wolverines tried to respond in the bottom of the third. A two out single and a stolen base put a runner in scoring position, but Ferrell was able to strike out the batter and strand the runner. 

Nebraska added another in the top of the fourth. A string of singles from Sydney Gray, Mya Felder and Courtney Wallace loaded the bases. With two outs, Abbie Squier was walked, bringing in a run, making it a 3-0 game. 

Michigan added a run of its own in the bottom of the fifth inning. A lead off walk and a ground out put a runner in scoring position. Melina Livingston hit a single, scoring the runner to cut NU's lead to 3-1. 

The Wolverines added another in the bottom of the sixth. Michigan led off with a single followed by a hit by pitch. A fielder's choice recorded the first out, advancing a runner to third. A fielding error by Billie Andrews scored a runner. Courtney Wallace came in to pitch and was able to record the final two outs to finish the inning. The Huskers headed into the seventh up, 3-2. 

After three NU batters were retired in the top of the seventh, Michigan looked to take the lead in its final chance of the game. With one out, Taylor Bump hit a single to the shortstop. Keke Throll grounded into a double play for the Huskers to claim the 3-2 win. 

The Huskers will face the Wolverines for game two at 5:30 p.m. (CT). The game will be broadcasted live on FS1. It will also be available on the Huskers Radio Network and Huskers.com with the call by Nate Rohr. 

Game Notes

• Olivia Ferrell reached 102 strikeouts on the season with five during the first game against Michigan. 
• Ava Bredwell smashed her second career homer in the top of the third inning.
• This win marked the first time Nebraska has claimed a victory over Michigan in Ann Arbor. 
• The last time Nebraska beat a ranked team was against No. 24 Michigan when the Huskers beat the Gophers 6-4 on April 18, 2021.