Huskers Drop Final Game of Weekend to No. 4 Arkansas

Brooke Andrews hit a solo home run in the second inning to take an early lead, but it was not enough as the Nebraska softball team (5-5) fell to No. 4 Arkansas, 6-1, in the final game of the TaxAct Clearwater Invitational Sunday morning. The Razorbacks moved to 8-2 on the season after the victory.

Along with Brooke Andrews, Billie Andrews and Caitlynn Neal each added a hit, but NU was unable to capitalize as Robyn Herron (3-0) and Chenise Delce combined to hold the Huskers to just one run on the day. Herron earned the win after pitching 4.0 innings, striking out five and holding NU to two hits. Delce pitched the final three innings, striking out four, giving up one hit and earning the save. 

Sarah Harness (1-2) started in the circle for the Huskers, recording the loss. Harness pitched 2.2 innings while giving up two hits and four runs. Courtney Wallace entered in the bottom of the third, pitching 2.1 innings and striking out four while giving up four hits and two runs. Kaylin Kinney was NU's third pitcher to see time in the circle, pitching the bottom of the sixth inning and helping NU record three straight outs. 

Leading the Razorback offense was Cylie Halvorson, who finished with two hits and four RBIs. 

Nebraska got on the board early with a one-out home run from Brooke Andrews in the top of the second inning to give NU the 1-0 lead. This marked Andrews first homer of the season with the solo shot to center field. 

Arkansas took the lead in the bottom of the third with four runs in the third inning. With one out, a hit-by-pitch gave the Razorbacks their first baserunner. Reagan Johnson singled to shortstop, putting runners at first and third. With two outs, a walk loaded the bases. The second hit batter brought in the first run for the Razorbacks while a walk added another. Courtney Wallace entered the circle for the Huskers, giving up a single through the left side, which brought in two runs. Wallace worked out of the inning, recording a strikeout for the third out, but the Razorbacks took a 4-1 lead. 

NU threatened in the top of the fifth with two base runners. Sydney Gray led off, reaching first after being hit by a pitch. Chenise Delce came in for Arkansas in the circle, forcing a fly out from Katelyn Caneda. With one out, Billie Andrews singled up the middle. Wallace struck out, but allowed runners to advance to second and third on a passed ball during an aggressive at bat. NU was unable to capitalize on the runners in scoring position and went into the bottom of fifth down, 4-1. 

The Razorbacks added two more in the bottom of the fifth inning. Kristina Foreman led off with a single through the right side. With one out, a single to left field added a second base runner while a walk loaded the bases. Cylie Halvorson doubled to left center, scoring two. Wallace worked out of the inning with her fourth strikeout of the day. Arkansas led, 6-1, headed into the sixth inning. 

Kaylin Kinney entered the game in the bottom of the sixth for the Big Red. The junior helped the Huskers record three straight outs. NU looked to find offensive momentum in the top of the seventh, but three straight outs secured the Arkansas win, 6-1. 

The Huskers return to action next weekend, Feb. 24-26 at the Troy Cox Classic in Las Cruces, New Mexico. NU will open the weekend against No. 5 Oklahoma State on Friday, Feb. 24 at 12:30 p.m. (CT). The Big Red will also face New Mexico State, New Mexico and CSU Bakersfield. 

Game Notes

• Brooke Andrews smashed her first home run of the season with a solo shot to center field in the top of the second inning. 
• Today's game marked the fourth Top-10 opponent that Nebraska has faced this season.