The Nebraska Cornhuskers delivered yet another dominant performance, unleashing a barrage of home runs to overpower Northern Iowa in a lopsided 9-1 victory. While the Panthers briefly held the lead, it was only a matter of time before the Huskers’ bats exploded—and explode they did.
Early Scare, But Huskers Respond with a Bang
For a fleeting moment, Northern Iowa had reason to dream. Skyler Benesh’s first-inning double set up an early 1-0 advantage for the Panthers, momentarily stirring the idea of an upset. But Nebraska’s offense had other plans, merely biding its time before igniting a home run-fueled avalanche.
In the bottom of the third, the Huskers struck back with vengeance. Abbie Squier, a force of nature since her return from a season-ending injury in 2024, stepped up to the plate and delivered a thunderous shot to left field. The ball’s picturesque flight was rudely interrupted by the scoreboard, colliding just beneath the Ameritas logo—a statement blast that announced Nebraska’s arrival in emphatic fashion. The two-run homer flipped the script, giving the Huskers a 2-1 lead and sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Squier’s sensational return has been nothing short of remarkable. Entering the game, she was already boasting a .413 batting average with a .517 on-base percentage. With this, her sixth home run of the season, she cemented her reputation as one of Nebraska’s most dangerous offensive weapons.
A Relentless Offensive Barrage
Squier’s blast was only the beginning. Nebraska piled on three more runs before the inning was over, putting Northern Iowa in a deep hole. Then, in the fourth inning, the Huskers delivered another knockout punch.
Enter Jordy Bahl.
The star pitcher and slugger sent a jaw-dropping shot soaring to dead center, a no-doubter that seemed destined to break physics. Had Nebraska’s athletic department opted for twin scoreboards, this one might have cleared both. The sheer distance of the blast drew gasps from the crowd, adding yet another highlight to the Huskers’ offensive clinic.
The onslaught didn’t stop there. Nebraska tacked on four more runs in the same frame, completely dismantling Northern Iowa’s defense. The game’s fate was sealed when the Huskers snuffed out a desperate Panthers rally attempt in the fifth, locking in their third consecutive run-rule victory of the weekend.
Camenzind’s Dominance on the Mound
While the offense stole the show, Hannah Camenzind quietly delivered a stellar performance in the circle. The left-hander went the distance, scattering five hits and striking out five batters en route to her third win of the season. Her dominance extended beyond the mound—Camenzind also contributed at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles and two RBIs, proving she can do it all.
Standout Performances and What’s Next
The Huskers’ offensive depth was on full display, with Kacie Hoffman and Ava Kuszak also recording multi-hit games. Their relentless hitting, combined with shutdown pitching, made it clear that Nebraska is firing on all cylinders as they charge through the Big Red Spring Fling.
Next up, the Huskers turn their attention to the South Dakota Jackrabbits for their final game of the tournament, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CST. Given their current form, another fireworks display could be on the horizon.
For now, one thing is certain—Nebraska softball is a force to be reckoned with, and they’re just getting started.
