Huskers Wrap Up Fall with UNK; Red/White Series

Lincoln ? The Nebraska baseball team’s final week of fall practice takes on a new twist this fall, as the Huskers will face Nebraska-Kearney in an exhibition game before its annual Red-White series next week.

The Huskers will host the Lopers on Wednesday, Oct. 17, at Hawks Field with the first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m. Admission is free for that game, as well as for the two-day Red/White Series, which is slated for Thursday, Oct. 18 (3:30 p.m. start) and Friday, Oct. 19. (2:30 p.m. start).

The game against UNK will count as one of the 56 regular-season dates for the 2008 schedule, as next spring’s later start date and compressed schedule made using a fall date a popular option for schools around the country. The result of Wednesday’s contest will not count on Nebraska’s 2008 season record.

Head Coach Mike Anderson said the opportunity to take on another team and create a game-day experience was important for a young team with 13 newcomers who have not played at the Division I level.

"It’s unusual for us because we haven’t been able to do this," Anderson said. "Softball uses its fall schedule for competition, but this is the first time we’ve done it in this manner. It allows us to evaluate our players in game situations and help us learn more about our team in a different environment."

Anderson said the fall has been a very productive one for the Huskers, as the team has been practicing since mid-September.

"We’ve had a very good fall," Anderson said. "A couple of guys are out with injuries, but the thing we like best is the leadership that has developed. Players like Johnny Dorn and Jake Opitz have been outstanding in helping our team grow and develop over the past month. For me, that has been one of the highlights."

Date	Game	First Pitch
Wednesday, Oct. 17	vs. Nebraska-Kearney	2 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 18	Red/White Series	3:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 19	Red/White Series	2:30 p.m.