Huskers Fall to Jayhawks

The Nebraska softball team (19-9) fell to Kansas Sunday afternoon in Lawrence, Kan., in the final game of the weekend. Despite taking an early lead, the Huskers were not able to rally late, falling to the Jayhawks, 6-4. 

Abbie Squier led the Nebraska offense, finishing 2-for-3 on the day with a home run. Katelyn Caneda added two hits including an RBI-triple while Mya Felder smashed a two-run home run in the first inning. 

The Jayhawks (16-11) were led by Ashlyn Anderson who went 2-for-4 with three RBI. Shayna Espy and Presley Limbaugh each added two hits. 

In the circle, Courtney Wallace (12-5) recorded the loss for the Huskers. Wallace pitched 6.0 innings giving up five hits and five runs (four earned) while striking out three batters. 

Kasey Hamilton moved to 6-4 on the season after earning the win in the circle for Kansas. Hamilton pitched 6.0 innings, giving up six hits and four runs (two earned). Lizzy Ludwig earned the save after pitching the final inning for the Jayhawks. 

The Huskers got out to an early 2-0 lead in the first. Billie Andrews led off, reaching on a KU error. With one out, Mya Felder smashed a two-run homer to give the Big Red the 2-0 lead. 

The Jayhawks responded, scoring one in the bottom of the first. A double, single and walk loaded the bases. Wallace recorded the first out of the inning with a strikeout. A single from Ashlyn Anderson drove in the run, but NU was able to hold the lead, going into the second inning ahead, 2-1. 

Abbie Squier hit a solo home run in the top of the fifth to extend the Husker lead to 3-1. 

Kansas scored four in the bottom of the fifth to take the lead. With one out, a single, fielding error and a hit batter loaded the bases. Anderson singled up the middle, scoring two. Aynslee Linduff followed with a single through the right side, scoring two more runs. The Jayhawks took the 5-3 lead.

NU cut into the KU lead with one in the sixth. With two outs, Ava Bredwell reached on a fielding error by Kansas. Katelyn Caneda followed with a triple, scoring Bredwell. The Huskers went to the bottom of the sixth, down 5-4. 

Harness entered in the circle in the bottom of the sixth inning. A single and a walk put a runner in scoring position. Olivia Bruno followed with a single to right field, scoring one, extending the Jayhawk lead to 6-4. 

Nebraska looked to rally in the seventh. Squier led off with a single but was out at second after Gray reached on a fielder's choice. A single from Billie Andrews put a runner in scoring position while a wild pitch advanced runners to second and third. NU was unable to capitalize and fell to KU, 6-4. 

The Huskers return to action on Wednesday, March 22, for a midweek matchup with Iowa State for the home opener at Bowlin Stadium. The game is set for 4 p.m. and will be streamed live on BTN+ (subscription required). Fans can listen to the action live on the Huskers Radio Network and Huskers.com. Tickets can be purchased at Huskers.com/Tickets.