Nebraska softball’s first Lincoln Super Regional at Bowlin Stadium had a bumpy start, but the team didn’t let that stop them from shining on the field. A two-hour delay and then a postponement for Thursday’s game didn’t dampen their spirits. When they played on Friday, they came out strong against No. 13 Oklahoma State, winning 8-1 in a historic match. The Huskers will face the Cowgirls again on Saturday with a chance to move on to the Women’s College World Series.
Friday’s game resumed in the bottom of the first, right where Thursday’s had left off. Center fielder Hannah Coor was on first after a fielder’s choice. Designated player Hannah Camenzind took advantage of the situation, hitting a single down the left-field line. Then catcher Jesse Farrell hit a powerful home run, quickly putting Nebraska ahead 3-0. Despite light rain, the Huskers didn’t lose their focus.
In the circle, pitcher Jordy Frahm dominated, allowing just five hits and one run while striking out seven batters over seven innings. She kept Oklahoma State mostly quiet throughout the match.
Farrell didn’t stop there. In the third inning, she led a four-run surge with a crucial hit that brought in two runs, extending the lead to 5-0. The Husker offense capitalized again, with additional runs from Kacie Hoffmann and Bella Bacon, pushing the score to 7-0. The Cowgirls’ starting pitcher Ruby Meylan struggled, allowing eight hits and seven runs before being replaced.
Oklahoma State managed to score in the sixth inning with a home run from Karli Godwin, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide. Frahm’s defense stepped up, ultimately sealing the win with a double play.
Looking ahead, Oklahoma State’s coach, Kenny Gajewski, believes his star pitcher Meylan will bounce back. He noted that Meylan left her pitches too flat during Friday’s game. “Good teams take advantage of mistakes,” he said. “I expect her to come back strong.”
Despite the large lead, Oklahoma State continued to adjust their approach. Frahm acknowledged that as the game progressed, she felt added pressure and had to change her strategy against the Cowgirl batters.
Defensively, Nebraska excelled, committing no errors while Oklahoma State had three. Nebraska’s solid outfield catches and precise fielding were crucial, especially when OSU seemed to gain momentum. Coach Rhonda Revelle emphasized the importance of pitching and defense, stating, “They really do win championships.”
This win sets the stage for an exciting rematch on Saturday. If Nebraska continues this momentum, they could very well advance to the next level of competition.
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