Nebraska Softball Falls to Washington in Five-Inning 10-2 Defeat
The Nebraska softball team suffered a tough loss Saturday in the second game of its weekend series against the Washington Huskies, falling 10-2 in a run-rule shortened contest that lasted just five innings. The defeat marks the second consecutive loss in the series for the Huskers, who struggled both offensively and defensively against a dominant Washington squad.
The game, played at Washington’s Husky Softball Stadium, began with promise for Nebraska. The Huskers opened the scoring in the top of the first inning with a two-run homer by senior standout Billie Andrews. Her blast over the left-field wall gave Nebraska an early 2-0 lead and sparked hope for a bounce-back performance after Friday’s opening loss. However, the lead would be short-lived.
Washington answered swiftly in the bottom of the first, tagging Nebraska starting pitcher Jordy Bahl for three runs. The Huskies capitalized on a walk, a pair of singles, and a timely two-run double to seize a 3-2 advantage. From that point on, the game quickly spiraled out of Nebraska’s control.
Washington’s offense continued to pile on the runs, adding two more in the second inning and four in the third. Bahl, who transferred to Nebraska with high expectations, was chased from the game after just two-plus innings of work. She gave up seven earned runs on eight hits and struggled with command, walking three and striking out only one. Reliever Sarah Harness entered in the third but was unable to slow the Huskies’ relentless attack.
Nebraska’s defense also faltered at crucial moments, committing two errors that led to unearned runs and extended several Washington innings. The Huskies, ranked in the top 15 nationally, showcased their speed and power at the plate, racking up 11 hits, including two home runs. Their aggressive base running and sharp situational hitting overwhelmed the Huskers’ defense and pitching staff.
On the offensive side, Nebraska was limited to just three hits outside of Andrews’ home run. Washington pitcher Ruby Meylan delivered a strong complete-game performance, allowing only two runs while striking out five. After Andrews’ early homer, the Huskers failed to mount any sustained offensive pressure, stranding four runners and going hitless over the final three innings.
The game ended via the NCAA’s run-rule, which halts play if a team leads by eight or more runs after five innings. With the loss, Nebraska drops to 29-17 on the season, while Washington improves to 37-9.
Head coach Rhonda Revelle expressed disappointment in her team’s execution, noting the need for sharper focus and resilience moving forward. “We got off to a good start, but we didn’t respond well when Washington pushed back,” Revelle said postgame. “This is a learning moment, and we have to bounce back stronger.”
Nebraska will look to salvage the final game of the series on Sunday, hoping to avoid a sweep and build momentum as the postseason approaches. For now, the Huskers must regroup and address the inconsistencies that plagued them in this lopsided defeat.
