Lincoln, Neb. –The Nebraska softball team (10-17) fell to Drake (17-13) by a score of 7-1 on Tuesday in game one of a doubleheader.

Courtney Wallace (2-2) started and pitched 3.0 innings. She gave up three runs on four hits and had two strikeouts. Olivia Ferrell pitched 4.0 innings of relief. She gave up four runs on six hits and had two strikeouts.

Drake’s Nicole Newman dominated in the circle. She improved to 10-6 and pitched a complete 7.0 innings. She gave up one run on two hits and had 14 strikeouts. 

Nebraska had two hits on the day. Samantha Owen hit a solo home run, while Lindsey Walljasper had the second hit. Madi Unzicker was also hit by a pitch to give Nebraska another base runner in the game. 

In the first, Drake loaded the bases with one out after a pair of walks and a Husker error, but Nebraska got back-to-back outs to get out of the jam.

In the top of the third, Drake took a 3-0 lead. A single and a walk put two runners on and both advanced on a wild pitch. A fielder’s choice scored one run and a single score another run. With two outs, a walk loaded the bases. A single to right field scored one run, but Peyton Glatter made a good throw home to get the second runner out at the plate and get out of the inning. 

Owen hit a two-out solo home run in the bottom of the fourth to break up Drake’s perfect game and get the Huskers on the board. 

In the fifth, Madi Unzicker was hit by a pitch with two outs. She stole second to get in scoring position, but was stranded as the next batter struck out. 

Drake scored four runs in the top of the sixth off four hits, including a two-run homer. 

Nebraska and Drake will play game two of the doubleheader at approximately 6:45.