Late-Inning Rally Powers Nebraska Softball Past NC State, 6-1

Friday, February 19

Raleigh, N.C.

4:30 P.M.

NC State

3-3

[RV/-] Nebraska

6-0

Nebraska

NC State

Photo by: Greg Mintel

Late-Inning Rally Powers Nebraska Softball Past NC State, 6-1

2/19/2016 7:39:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

Nebraska scores all of its runs in the final inning

RALEIGH, N.C. – A late-inning rally helped the Nebraska softball team earn a 6-1 win against NC State Friday evening in the Inaugural ACC/Big Ten Softball Challenge at Dail Stadium.

The Wolfpack held a slim 1-0 lead heading to the final inning, but the Cornhuskers' bats came alive in the frame with six runs.

NC State falls to 3-3 on the year, while Nebraska, who is receiving votes for the top-25 poll along with the Wolfpack, remains unbeaten at 6-0.

Quick Hits
- Nebraska looked to strike first in the contest by loading the bases with one out in the third inning.
- NC State starting pitcher Courtney Mirabella buckled down to get a popup to Brittany Nimmo at third base and a groundout to Lana Van Dyken at shortstop to escape the threat.
- The Wolfpack took advantage of a Cornhuskers' miscue in the bottom of the fourth to take a 1-0 lead.
- Senior Maggie Hawkins doubled to start the frame and scored on an error by Nebraska's third baseman.
- The Cornhuskers evened the score on an RBI fielder's choice from Laura Barrow and extended its lead later in the inning on a three-run homer by Alicia Armstrong.

Inside the Box Score
- Nebraska's pitching stifled the NC State bats, as the squad was held to a season low four hits in the contest.
- Hawkins, Hutchison, Hanna Sommer and Hannah Yeager each had one hit for the Wolfpack.
- MJ Knighten led Nebraska's offense with a 3-for-4 performance, while Armstrong was 2-for-4 with three runs batted in (RBI).

In the Pitcher's Circle
- Mirabella went the distance for NC State in the circle and held the Nebraska bats in check until the final inning.
- She allowed six runs, struck out six batters and did not surrender a walk.
- Kaylan Jablonski started on the mound for Nebraska and pitched the first 3.2 innings before giving way to Cassie McClure, who earned the win in relief.

Game Notes
- It was the first meeting between the programs, as the Cornhuskers lead the all-time series, 1-0.
- NC State was without the services of its starting shortstop Alyssa Compton due to injury, so Van Dyken made her third start at the position.

On Deck
NC State returns to action Saturday in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge with a rematch against Nebraska. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. at Dail Stadium.