CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. — The No. 10 Nebraska Cornhuskers defeated the No. 19 South Carolina Gamecocks 9-1 in five innings on Friday at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, extending their season record to 7-4. The victory ended South Carolina’s seven-game winning streak and marked Nebraska’s first run-rule win of the 2026 season. The game took place at Big League Dreams Complex in Cathedral City, California.
Nebraska’s offense proved to be the difference, scoring nine runs on 13 hits although leaving eight runners on base. The Gamecocks, who had previously outscored opponents 48-6, struggled to contain the Huskers’ attack. South Carolina fell to 8-3 with the loss. The Huskers capitalized on three errors committed by the Gamecocks throughout the contest.
Jesse Farrell, a transfer catcher for Nebraska, led the team with three RBIs, including a game-ending triple to right field in the third inning. The hit scored Jordy Frahm, and L. Camenzind, securing the run-rule victory for Nebraska. Farrell’s performance highlighted his impact since joining the team, as he was a NFCA All-West Region second-team selection as a freshman and a second-team All-Mountain West member as a sophomore while playing for UNLV according to the University of Nebraska.
Pitching Performances
Left-handed pitcher Alexis Jensen started for Nebraska, pitching three innings and allowing three hits and one run while striking out four batters. She was relieved in the fourth inning after giving up a home run. Right-handed pitcher Jordy (Bahl) Frahm took over with no outs in the fourth, quickly retiring three consecutive batters after allowing an initial hit. Frahm pitched four innings, giving up two hits and striking out three, earning the save.
South Carolina struggled to find a consistent pitching solution, utilizing five different pitchers throughout the game. Nealy Lamb started for the Gamecocks, lasting 2 1/3 innings and allowing two runs on one hit. Emma Friedel faced three batters before being replaced, giving up two hits and two earned runs. Josey Marron pitched 1 2/3 innings, allowing four hits and two runs. Freshman Ansley Bennett entered in the fifth inning but didn’t finish the inning, surrendering two hits and two runs.
Bland Returns to Lineup
Nebraska third baseman Sammie Bland returned to the lineup after sustaining a left shoulder injury against UCF on February 14th. While she played third base, Bland did not bat due to the nature of her injury, but was described as “great on the hot corner” against South Carolina according to On3.
The Huskers will continue play at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic. Fans can find more information about the Nebraska softball team and its schedule on the official Huskers website.
What does this decisive win indicate for Nebraska’s momentum as they continue through the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
