Yesterday afternoon Nebraska women’s softball played an early home opener at Bowlin Stadium. With a 4-10 losing record over the last 14 games away from home, the Huskers NEEDED to post a victory on the diamond. Saving the best for last, the Big Red earned a run-rule 10-1 victory in the bottom of the fifth inning over the UNO Mavericks.
#Huskers win 10-1 in 5 innings over UNO! #OSTW pic.twitter.com/gdPcPO4Nph
— Nebraska Softball (@HuskerSoftball) March 11, 2015
It has been a frustrating beginning to the season. Husker Coach Rhonda Revelle and her staff knew it would be a challenge to replace three key players from last season. Seniors Taylor and Tatum Edwards represented at least half the offense, plus a consistency on the mound and behind the plate.
Hailey Decker started every game at 2nd base for Nebraska for two seasons and owned the highest batting average of .369 for the Huskers. (Edwards sisters are now playing professional softball) Hailey Decker transferred to Oregon to be closer to home.
Softball T-Shirt (photo Rosalie)
Often, the best lessons learned are also the hardest ones. Those lessons began back in September 2014, when the Husker softball team played their month long fall schedule. They played 6 very close contests, winning half of them. Two of those losses came at the hands of the UNO lady Mavericks. It was clear THEN that consistent pitching and offensive production were key pieces that the Huskers would need to work on during their winter preparation.
After going 2-2 last weekend at the Shocker tournament in Wichita, Bowlin Stadium was a welcome sight for the Huskers yesterday. Walking onto the diamond under sunny skies with friendly Husker fans in the stands gave them a much desired boost to their confidence.
Home Games = White Helmets ❤️🌽 pic.twitter.com/96bQ7I4cCq
— Nebraska Softball (@HuskerSoftball) March 10, 2015
Husker sophomore right-hander Cassie McClure was on the mound to pitch her first game yesterday. She gave up 1 run in the top of the first, but would render the Mavericks scoreless the rest of the game. She pitched a complete game and now has a 5-2 record as a Husker.
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bats struggled early but managed to tie the game 1-1 in the bottom of the third. Heading into the bottom of the fifth, NU was looking for a spark to get the bats going. The logjam broke and the BIG RED offense uncorked 9 runs! Kiki Stokes, MJ Knighten and Kat Woolman each had 2 hits for the Huskers. The icing on the cake came when
hit a pinch-hit three-run homer to end the game.
The Huskers hit the road to play at the Easton Invitational in Fullerton, CA. They will play two games on Friday and two games on Saturday. They return home to open conference play March 20 in a three game set against Michigan State at Bowlin Stadium. Stay tuned for updates and as always, GO BIG RED!!