NDSU sweeps the doubleheader from Huskers

It was a lovely day in Lincoln, Nebraska on Tuesday. A perfect day to play softball and an opportunity for the Nebraska softball team to get back on the winning track. They had hoped to carry the momentum from their Sunday afternoon victory against Minnesota into the doubleheader. North Dakota State softball (25-6) had a similar goal only they achieved it. Nebraska fell to NDSU in both games, losing 0-3 in game one and 6-10 in game two.

Game 1

The Huskers did not have an opportunity for a full practice on Monday and it showed. On the mound for NDSU was Krista Menke, a senior from Friend, Neb. She shut out the Husker offense who was plagued by pop ups, ground outs and strike outs. Nebraska could only muster three hits against her and all of those hits belonged to NU third baseman MJ Knighten.

Junior pitcher Emily Lockman got the start for the Huskers. It was not a perfect outing for her but she went the distance and took the loss. She allowed 3 runs on 8 hits, with 1 run in the first and 2 in the sixth. In addition, the Huskers took Kat Woolman out after she slammed into the left field wall while tracking down a towering fly ball. (hope she’s ok)

This was the second time this season that Nebraska was shut out. They suffered their first shut out loss a couple of weeks ago to Cal State Fullerton 0-3 at the Easton tournament. It was the same scenario then – Husker bats couldn’t find an answer to opposition pitching.

Game 2

Looking for a change of mindset to refocus her team, Husker Coach Rhonda Revelle went with a different line up in game 2.

Husker freshman Kaylon Jablonski got the start in the pitching circle. It looked promising as she held NDSU scoreless in the first two innings. However, the Bisons had hot bats and tagged Jablonski for 3 hits on a home run in the third. They would plate four more runs over the next two innings before Jablonski was lifted in the 6th inning and Cassie McClure came on in relief. McClure couldn’t stop the NDSU onslaught either allowing 3 more runs on four hits.

On the offensive side, Husker bats got going. Juniors Kiki Stokes and Dawna Tyson each had three hits for the Huskers. Stokes blasted a three-run homer. Tyson went 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Alicia Armstrong also went 2 – 4. Sophomore MJ Knighten went 2-for-4 to extend her hitting streak to 15 games.

NU pounded out 12 hits total in four innings but it just wasn’t enough against NDSU. These Huskers are  fighters but on this day, they had to accept two defeats.

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At mid-season, this was not the outcome the Huskers wanted or needed. With a record of 18 – 16, Nebraska has put themselves into a tough situation. With only 18 games remaining in the regular season before the Big 10 tournament, the Huskers can ill afford to suffer any more losses. Aside from achieving a successful regular season, Nebraska expects to participate in post-season action. They will need 35 wins on the season to secure a seed into the NCAA tournament. While that certainly seems possible, it is a very tall order indeed.

Nebraska goes on the road for some conference play this weekend. Huskers travel to Columbus, Ohio, for a three-game series with the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes have a 18 – 14 record, having split a doubleheader on Tuesday vs. Pittsburgh. Follow your Huskers here with further updates and as always, GO BIG RED!!