Huskers Fall to Wildcats

The Nebraska softball team (32-15, 12-6 Big Ten) fell to No. 22 Northwestern (31-10, 16-2 Big Ten) Friday afternoon as the Huskers dropped the first game of the series, 4-22, in five innings in Evanston, Ill. 

The Nebraska offense was held to just three hits on the day. Katelyn Caneda led the Husker offense, finishing 2-for-3 with two runs.

Kansas Robinson led the Northwestern offense with six RBI while 12 Wildcats combined for 17 hits. 

Courtney Wallace (21-9) recorded the loss in the circle. Wallace pitched 2.1 innings, allowing six hits and eight runs. Kendall Mangel added 1.2 innings of work, giving up 11 hits and 14 runs (nine earned). 

Danielle Williams (13-1) earned the win for the Wildcats. Williams allowed two hits and two runs while striking out four through 4.0 innings of work. Sydney Supple pitched the fifth inning, allowing one hit and two runs. 

After two scoreless innings, seven hits and 11 runs gave Northwestern the lead in the bottom of the third. A single and a walk put runners on first and second. With one out, Hannah Cady hit a three-run homer. A hit by pitch and a stolen base put a runner in scoring position. Three consecutive singles scored two more runs. A walk loaded the bases as Mangel entered the circle with the bases loaded and one out. A walk and a hit by pitch brought in two more runs. With one out and the bases loaded, Jordyn Rudd hit a grand slam, as the Wildcats went ahead, 11-0. 

Nebraska responded with two runs in the top of the fourth. Two hit by pitches and a walk loaded the bases. With one out, Abbie Squier hit a single to left field, scoring one. Neal followed, reaching on a fielder's choice, scoring the second run of the inning as Northwestern maintained the 11-2 lead. 

The Wildcats recorded their second 11-run inning with nine hits on Nebraska's three errors in the bottom of the fourth inning. A single, a walk and a throwing error put Northwestern runners on second and third with no outs. A fielding error scored the first run of the inning. Robinson hit the third home run of the game, scoring three. A walk, a single and a double, scored another run. Three consecutive singles scored three runs while a Robinson double scored two. Rudd added a sacrifice fly, driving in the 11th run of the inning. 

NU loaded the bases with a Caneda single, a fielder's choice and a walk in the top of the fifth. A fielding error from Northwestern scored two Nebraska runners, but the Huskers fell, 4-22, in five innings. 

The Huskers return to action Saturday, April 29, for game two of the three-game series to face Northwestern at 1 p.m. (CT). Fans can listen to the action live on the Huskers Radio Network and Huskers.com with the call from Nate Rohr. It will also be streamed live on BTN+ (subscription required).