Phoenix, Ariz. --- The Nebraska softball team opened its quest to defend its College World Series berth with a pair of wins Friday at the Fiesta Bowl Tournament at the Rose Mofford Sports Complex in Phoenix, Ariz. The Huskers used a four-hit pitching performance from All-American Jenny Voss to slide past Maryland 3-1 and an eight-hit, nine-run offensive outbreak to beat UNLV 9-5.

After Maryland started off game one with a run-scoring double, true freshman Leigh Suhr started off Nebraska's half with a single in her first career at bat. Jessica Draemel bunted Suhr to second and an error by MU's second baseman advanced Suhr home to tie up the game. The tie wouldn't last for long as two batters later, Jamie Fuente would connect on a squeeze bunt to score Jennifer Lizama from third. Neither team could get a runner past first base until Nebraska's half of the fifth inning when Draemel and Lizama both singled before getting stranded. The Huskers added a security run in the bottom of the sixth when Pinkepank stole home after doubling a few batters later. Nebraska strung five hits together during the game, giving the loss to Kelly Shipman and the win to Voss. The meeting was the first for the two schools.

In the three hour and 20 minute nightcap, UNLV and NU combined for four homers though just one came off the bat of a Husker. Two of the four homers came in the first inning for UNLV as the Running Rebels jumped out to the early 3-0 lead. Nebraska would answer an inning later when sophomore Jenifer Williams slammed a shot over the left-center field fence with one Husker aboard. NU tied the game up moments later when Ellen Middleton drew a walk with the bases loaded. The Huskers left the bases loaded in the inning and left five runners stranded through two. Nebraska added four more runs in the top of the third off of three walks a single and an error. In the bottom of the third, true freshman Leigh Ann Walker