The Nebraska softball team (30-13, 10-4 Big Ten) hosts Wisconsin for a three-game series this weekend, April 21-23. Game one is set for Friday, April 21, at 5:30 p.m. On Saturday, April 22, the Huskers and the Badgers face off at 3 p.m. with the final game set for Sunday, April 22 at 12 p.m. Wisconsin comes into the weekend with a 22-14 record and are 7-5 in Big Ten play.
Fans can listen to the game live on the Huskers Radio Network and Huskers.com. All three games will also be streamed live on BTN+ (subscription required).
Nebraska currently leads the Big Ten with a .321 batting average and 368 hits. The Huskers are ranked among the top five in runs (229), doubles (73), home runs (214), scoring (5.33), on-base percentage (.379) and slugging percentage (.520).
Freshman Katelyn Caneda leads the Big Red offense with a .398 batting average and has tallied 49 hits including seven doubles, one triple, two home runs and 31 RBI. Junior Billie Andrews has added 51 hits while tallying 11 home runs and 37 runs.
In the circle, Courtney Wallace (19-8) has appeared in 156.2 innings while tallying 101 strikeouts. Sarah Harness (10-4) has added 78.2 innings of work, striking out 82 batters.
Nebraska By the Numbers
- Nebraska is first in the conference in batting average (.321) and is 15th in the nation.
- The Huskers are second in the Big Ten in shutouts with 11 and are ranked 25th in the NCAA.
- NU ranks second in the Big Ten and 22nd in the NCAA with a .520 slugging percentage.
- Katelyn Caneda is fifth in the Big Ten with a .398 batting average, a mark that leads the Big Red.
- Billie Andrews and Brooke Andrews are third in the conference with 11 home runs this season.
- Billie Andrews and Katelyn Caneda are fourth and fifth in the Big Ten in total hits.
- Courtney Wallace has recorded the most wins in the Big Ten with 19. She is also sixth in the NCAA.
- Courtney Wallace is also third in the conference with three saves, a number that is 31st in the nation.
Wisconsin By the Numbers
- Wisconsin holds a .274 batting average which ranks ninth in the Big Ten.
- Kayla Konwent leads the Badgers with a .370 batting average. Konwent has tallied 34 hits and 18 runs with six doubles and nine home runs.
- Konwent also leads the teams in RBI with 27.
- Katie Keller has hit 36 hits and nine doubles, leading both categories for the Badgers.
- Wisconsin's pitching staff holds a 2.33 ERA, a number that ranks third in the Big Ten and 33rd in the NCAA.
- Maddie Schwartz leads the Badgers in the circle with an 8-9 record, pitching 93.0 innings and tallying 55 strikeouts.
- Schwartz (1.73) and Gabi Salo (1.75) are fourth and fifth in the conference in ERA.
- Schwartz has tallied three saves this season, a number that ranks fourth in the conference and 35th in the nation.
Husker Quick Hits
- Sarah Harness recorded her 500th career strikeout this year. The junior has tallied 82 strikeouts this season and has combined for over 500 including her three seasons at Southern Illinois.
- Billie Andrews and Brooke Andrews have recorded a home run in the same game five times during their careers at Nebraska.
- Billie Andrews has tallied 11 home runs this season, she is now seventh all-time in Nebraska history in career homers with 38.
- Andrews is one of 12 returning players in the NCAA who hit 20 or more home runs last season.
- Sarah Harness recorded a no-hitter against New Mexico on Feb. 24, 2023. It marked the first no-hitter by a Nebraska pitcher since 2016.
- Mya Felder is the only returning Big Ten player who received All-Big Ten, All-Defensive and All-Tournament honors in 2022.
- Courtney Wallace is one of six returning Rawlings/NFCA Gold Glove recipients from last season.