Huskers Post Second Straight Run-Rule Victory

The No. 19 Nebraska softball team (3-0) run-ruled its second opponent on Friday night as the Huskers downed Bethune-Cookman, 9-1, in five innings at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Fla.

Hannah Camenzind (1-0) grabbed the victory in the circle after walking zero batters and registering three strikeouts in four innings. Caitlin Olensky tossed a perfect fifth inning for the Big Red. Halyne Gonzalez (0-1) took the loss for the Wildcats (0-2). 

The Husker defense thrived and Bethune-Cookman did not hit a ball out of the infield all night. Bella Bacon notched a career-high nine putouts and Ava Kuszak had a career-high six assists. 

Lauren Camenzind produced three RBIs, which tied her career high. Camenzind and Samantha Bland each notched two hits.

Kuszak notched her second home run of the day to open the scoring against the Wildcats. Bland reached base on a double down the left field line and scored on two wild pitches to give the Huskers a 2-0 advantage.

Nebraska continued the damage in the bottom of the second, posting three runs and four hits. Bacon got to first, then stole second and was sent home on a Hannah Camenzind single. The hit also sent Abbie Squier, who walked as the previous batter, to third. Squier then scored on a throwing error and Hannah Camenzind reached home on a wild pitch as the Big Red stretched its lead to 5-0.

The Huskers kept it going in the bottom of the third, sparked by a Lauren Camenzind triple that scored both Hannah Camenzind and Squier. Lauren Camenzind crossed the plate after a Wildcat error and extended the advantage to 8-0.

Bethune-Cookman registered its first score of the game with an unearned run in the top of the fourth.

In the bottom of the fifth, Williams came in to pinch run for Squier, who doubled to right field. A Lauren Camenzind single scored Williams and locked up the 9-1 run-rule win for the Big Red.

The Huskers will continue play at the NFCA Leadoff Classic tomorrow, Feb. 8, by taking on No. 13 Texas Tech in a nationally televised matchup at 3 p.m. (CT). The game will be televised on MLB Network and can be heard across the Huskers Radio Network. 

Postgame Notes

• Hannah Camenzind recorded her first start and win in the circle for the Huskers. 
• Bella Bacon had a career-high nine putouts. 
• Ava Kuszak posted six assists, a career best. 
• Lauren Camenzind’s three RBIs tied her career high.
• The Huskers run-ruled two straight opponents on Friday, marking the first time that’s happened since NU had two run-rule victories on the same day in February of 2023.