Freshman Alina Felix drove in the winning run with a single to left field in the bottom of the 10th inning as the Nebraska softball team (31-13, 11-4) opened the weekend with a 7-6 victory over Wisconsin (22-15, 7-6 Big Ten).
Felix entered the game in the sixth inning and provided a timely spark for the Husker offense. Four Huskers added two hits on the night while Caitlynn Neal finished with two RBI as NU out-hit the Badgers, 12-9.
Katie Keller and Molly Schlosser both finished with two hits and two RBI, leading the way for Wisconsin.
Courtney Wallace (20-8) went the distance, earning the complete-game victory in the circle for the Huskers. Wallace pitched 10.0 innings, the longest outing of her career.
Maddie Schwartz moved to 8-10 on the season, recording the loss for the Badgers. Schwartz pitched 9.2 innings, allowing 12 hits and seven runs (0 earned runs).
The Huskers got out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Billie Andrews led off with a double, advancing to third on a passed ball. Katelyn Caneda drove in Andrews with a single for the first run of the game.
Nebraska added three more runs in the bottom of the second. Brooke Andrews led off with a single, advancing to second on a fielder’s choice error. A ground out moved the runners to second and third. With two outs, Neal singled to right center scoring two. Billie Andrews added her second hit of the day with a single, advancing to second on the throw and moving Neal to third. A wild pitch scored Neal and gave the Huskers the 4-0 advantage.
The Badgers responded with two runs in the third inning. Skylar Sirdashney doubled down the left field line and advanced to third on a ground out. Katie Keller added a single to left field, scoring Sirdashney. With two outs, Molly Schlosser singled up the middle, scoring Keller and bringing the score to 4-2.
Wisconsin took the 5-4 lead in the top of the fourth inning. A hit by pitch, double and walk loaded the bases for the Badgers. With one out, a single to right field drove in the first run of the inning. Kayla Konwent added a single to left field, scoring one. With two outs, a walk brought in the third run of the inning.
NU evened the game at 5-5 in the bottom of the sixth. Abbie Squier doubled to left center, putting a runner in scoring position. Ava Bredwell reached after being walked. A fielder’s choice forced Squier out at third. Neal singled to shortstop, driving in Bredwell.
After a scoreless seventh inning, the Badgers struck first in the eighth with one run. With the bases loaded, Christaana Angelopulos was walked, bringing in Keller as Wisconsin took the 6-5 lead.
The Huskers tied it in the bottom of the eighth. Squier singled to right field, advancing to third on a Badger error. A passed ball scored Squier, and evened the game at 6-6.
Nebraska held Wisconsin scoreless through the ninth and 10th innings, claiming the walk-off victory in the bottom of the 10th. Brooke Andrews walked, but she was out at second after Squier reached on a fielder’s choice. Squier stole second and advanced to third on a Wisconsin throwing error. Felix followed with a single to left field, driving in Squier for the 7-6 win over the Badgers.
The Huskers return to action Saturday, April 22, for game two of a three-game series against the Badgers. The game is set for 3 p.m. (CT)
Huskers Walk-Off Badgers in 10 innings
