Huskers Fall in Final Game of Weekend to Jackrabbits

The Nebraska softball team (11-6) fell in the final game of the weekend to South Dakota State (9-7). Despite a three-run inning in the bottom of the fourth to tie it up, the Huskers were unable to stop the Jackrabbits' momentum through the game, falling 16-4. 

Courtney Wallace (6-2) started in the circle for the Big Red. The senior pitched 4.0 innings, striking out three and giving up four runs. Olivia Ferrell (5-3) received the loss after pitching 1.0 innings and giving up four hits and five runs. 

Grace Glanzer (3-3) pitched a complete game for the Jackrabbits, striking out five, walking three and giving up seven hits. 

South Dakota State took the lead early after a two-run homer from Cylie Halvorson put the Jackrabbits up 2-0 in the first inning. SDSU added to its lead in the top of the second with another two-run shot, this time from Brooke Dumont, over the left field fence to make it a 4-0 game. 

Billie Andrews got the Big Red on board with a lead off homer in the bottom of the third, marking her fifth-straight game with a home run to cut the lead to 4-1. 

The Huskers tied it up in the bottom of the fourth with a three-run inning. Courtney Wallace singled to left field to reach first. Brooke Andrews followed with a ground ball to the shortstop, who had a throwing error on the play. Billie Andrews was walked to load the bases, and  Cam Ybarra was able to hit in a run. A single from Mya Felder scored both Brooke and Billie Andrews to make it a 4-4 game. 

In the top of the fifth, South Dakota State was able to double their runs scoring four. A series of walks and singles allowed the Jackrabbits to regain their lead. 

SDSU continued their offensive run in the top of the sixth with an eight-run showing. Two doubles, a single and a grand slam secured the win for the Jackrabbits, 16-4. 

The Huskers are back in action next weekend in Fullerton, Calif., for a Cal State Fullerton/Long Beach State Tournament. Nebraska will start on Friday, March 11 against Sacramento State at 2 p.m. CT followed by a game against Cal State Fullerton at 4:30 p.m. CT. On Saturday, March 12, NU will face Boston at 11 a.m. CT. The Huskers will close out the tournament on Sunday, March 13 with a game against Central Florida at 11 a.m. CT followed by a matchup with Long Beach State at 1:30 p.m. CT. All games will be broadcasted live on the Huskers Radio Network and Huskers.com with the call by Nate Rohr. 

Game Notes 

• Billie Andrews homered for the fifth game in a row, marking her 12th home run in 17 games. 
• Andrews' five home runs marks the second-most in a row in Nebraska history and ties for 10th in NCAA history. Taylor Edwards holds the record with six in a row in 2011.