Softball Falls to No. 22 Nebraska, 7-3

March 30, 2005

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LAWRENCE, Kan. –

The University of Kansas softball team fell to No. 22 Nebraska, 7-3, Wednesday in its Big 12 Conference home opener at Arrocha Ballpark. With the loss, the Jayhawks dropped to 15-11 and 0-2 in league play while the Huskers (22-11, 1-2 Big 12) snapped a four-game losing streak.

KU pitcher/designated player Serena Settlemier recorded two of the Jayhawks’ five hits on the day while the Huskers scored seven runs on seven hits and six walks.

The Huskers scored first as Jessica Yoachim walked, stole second and moved to third on a wild pitch. Jamie Waldecker singled through the infield to score Yoachim and give NU the 1-0 lead in the first inning.

Waldecker added to NU’s lead in the fourth with a solo home run before the Huskers blew the game open in the top of the fifth. KU used three pitchers to get out of the inning, but not before NU scored five runs on three hits and five walks. Settlemier, who remained in the circle for the rest of the outing, grounded out the last batter with three Huskers on base.

KU got on the board in the bottom of the fifth with two solo home runs. Destiny Frankenstein nailed her seventh of the season and Settlemier her fourth to bring the Jayhawks within five runs.

The Jayhawks attempted a late rally in the bottom of the seventh as Settlemier singled and moved to second on a base hit by Elle Pottorf. With two outs, Kassie Humphreys singled up the middle to score Settlemier, but it was not enough as KU fell by four, 7-3.

Humphreys (3-3), the starter, struck out four, allowed four hits and walked three in 4.0 innings to take the loss. Freshman Christina Ross faced five batters and Settlemier finished the game with a strikeout, walk and two hits in 2.2 innings.

NU’s Ashley DeBuhr (12-9), who pitched the complete-game victory, struck out 11, allowed five hits and walked one in the win.

The Jayhawks travel to Wichita State (20-11) Thursday for a doubleheader beginning at 3 p.m.

– KU –