Hill and Hupp Highlight Husker Victory

Omaha - Behind a stellar start from sophomore right-hander Molly Hill and a timely solo home run from freshman Alex Hupp, the Nebraska softball team defeated South Dakota State, 1-0, on Saturday to salvage a 1-1 performance on the first day of the Bluejay Softball Round Robin tournament at the Creighton Sports Complex.

Against South Dakota State, the game was scoreless until Hupp belted a solo home run in the fourth inning for the lone run of the game. Hupp's blast made a winner out of Hill. Hill was brilliant in the circle, allowing just a pair of infield singles and striking out 12 while picking up the shutout.

Nebraska's victory in the second game came after NU dropped a 4-2 decision to North Dakota State in the first game of the day. Against the Bison, the Huskers took a 2-0 lead into the final inning, before NDSU rallied for a four-run inning with the help of a key Nebraska error. Senior right-hander Ashley DeBuhr took a shutout into the final inning before the error allowed the Bisons' first run to cross the plate. Hill then relieved DeBuhr with the go-ahead runners on base.

The Huskers were limited in the games by a depleted roster. Only 10 players were available due to various injuries and of the available roster, while many players were less than 100 percent.

NU continues play at the Bluejay Round Robin tournament with a pair of games on Sunday. Nebraska will rematch with North Dakota State at 12:30 p.m. before facing host Creighton to conclude the event at 5:30 p.m.