Steffan Breaks School Record in 4-1 Win

Fullerton, Calif. ? Senior Anne Steffan reached on an infield single in the bottom of the first inning to extend her hitting streak to a school record 20 consecutive games and sophomore right-hander Ashley DeBuhr was dominant in the circle, striking out a career-high 13 batters in the 18th-ranked Nebraska softball team’s 4-1 upset over No. 14 Washington at the Kia Klassic in Fullerton, Calif.

 

The win was Nebraska’s third victory over a ranked team this season and was its sixth consecutive victory. DeBuhr picked up her first career victory over a ranked team, allowing no earned runs on just five hits for Nebraska (18-5). Her 13 strikeouts were two more than her previous career high of 11. Ashley Boek (9-5) took the loss for the Huskies (14-8), allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits in 2.1 innings.

 

The win also marked the 499th career victory for NU Head Coach Rhonda Revelle, leaving her just one shy of 500.

 

Sophomore Jamie Waldecker gave DeBuhr all the run support she would need with a three-run home run in the bottom of the third inning, her second home run of the season. Steffan finished 3-for-4 on her record-setting night, while juniors Elizabeth Rock and Trisha Tannahill each went 2-for-3 for Nebraska.

 

Washington scored a run in the first to take an early 1-0 lead, despite recording only one hit. Ashley Charters led off with an infield single and Dominique Lastrapes followed with a ground ball to short. NU shortstop Devin Porter attempted to get Charters at second, but her throw sailed into right-center field allowing Charters to score and Lastrapes to end up at third. DeBuhr responded by striking out the Nos. 3, 4 and five hitters to end the inning.

 

Nebraska left two runners on base in each of the first two innings before breaking through in the third. Junior Jessica Yoachim reached on an error by the pitcher to start the inning. Yoachim was then forced out at second on a ground ball to second off the bat of Rock. Rock reached first safely on a fielder's choice. Senior Sheena Lawrick then drew a four-pitch walk to put runners on first and second for Waldecker.

 

Waldecker took a 2-1 pitch from Boek deep to left for a three-run home run to give the Huskers a 3-1 lead.

 

Nebraska added another run in the fourth inning. Junior KoKo Tacha struck out swinging to lead off the inning, before Steffan reached on an infield single and stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Following a strikeout by Yoachim, Rock then singled off the glove of the pitcher to score Steffan with Nebraska's fourth run.

 

The Huskers are scheduled to play a pair of games on Friday to wrap up pool play. NU first plays PennState at 1:15 p.m. (CST), followed by an 8:15 p.m. game with DePaul.