Hannah Camenzind stepped up to the plate with a 1-2 count, ready to make her mark. And she did just that, delivering a clutch performance that gave Husker fans something to cheer about on a chilly Friday night. While the sting of a recent hoops loss to Iowa lingered, Nebraska’s softball team brought a smile back to their faces with a thrilling win against UCLA in the first game of a high-stakes Top 10 series.
Trailing 1-0 and running out of opportunities in the bottom of the 5th, Camenzind launched a pitch deep to the opposite field, clearing the wall for a two-run homer. With Jordy Frahm on first-thanks to her 8th hit-by-pitch of the season-the Huskers took a 2-1 lead that set the stage for a 4-1 victory.
Freshman sensation Alexis Jensen secured her 12th win of the season, showcasing her poise by scattering four hits over five solid innings. She struck out six, walked one, and allowed just a single run against a Bruins lineup that had been averaging nearly 12 runs per game.
Jordy Frahm was a force on both sides of the ball, reaching base three out of four times without a hit and pitching two hitless, scoreless innings. She struck out the final batter to earn her 8th save of the season, setting a new school record for single-season saves, surpassing none other than her coach, Rhonda Revelle. As Revelle quipped with a smile, “Let’s call it 10 or 12.”
Camenzind wasn’t done yet, adding another RBI with a bases-loaded walk in the 6th, contributing to two crucial insurance runs. Hannah Coor showcased her speed, scoring from second on a Kacie Hoffman single, extending the lead to 4-1.
Defensively, Natalia Hill delivered a highlight-reel catch at the wall in the top of the 6th, preserving the Huskers’ lead and preventing a potential UCLA comeback.
The series continues tomorrow at 2pm CST, following the Spring game. Fans can catch all the action on B1G+ and the Huskers Radio Network. So, whether you’re at Memorial Stadium or tuning in from home, there’s more excitement to come.