DePaul University
Nebraska
Blue Demons nipped by Nebraska 1-0
3/18/2018 12:00:00 AM | SOFTBALL
Box Score
FULLERTON, Calif. - The DePaul softball team concluded its run at the Easton Invitational on Sunday falling to Nebraska 1-0.
After two and half innings of scoreless action, Nebraska (20-9) broke the silence in the bottom of the third inning to take a 1-0 lead with a grounder to second by designated player Kaylan Jablonski. Right fielder Alyvia Simmons reached on a double to left-center and then advanced to third on a wild pitch by DePaul's Kennedy Garcia before scoring on Jablonski's chopper to second.
Facing their final three outs of the contest, the Blue Demons rallied in the top of the seventh but the offensive was halted on relay throw to the plate where the Huskers' catcher got the tag down on a charging Kate Polucha to seal the Nebraska win. Earlier in the inning, Polucha reached on a single to right-center. She then advanced to second with a sacrifice bunt by Maranda Gutierrez. Right fielder Megan Leyva then lifted a chopper to shallow right that was hauled in and relayed to the plate by Nebraska's Simmons.
DePaul (17-11) had seven hits in the contest but left 10 runners stranded on base.
Senior Kennedy Garcia (2-3) received the loss, surrendering one unearned on three hits in four innings of work. Pat Moore came on in the fifth inning to provide the Blue Demons with two innings of scoreless relief, recording four strikeouts.
The Blue Demons will be back in action on Saturday as they hit the road to South Orange, N.J., to open BIG EAST play against Seton Hall. DePaul will battle the Pirates in doubleheader action on March 24 starting at 11 a.m. and then wrap up the three-game series on Sunday, March 25 at 11 a.m.
Game Notes
-Moore has 90 strikeouts on the season to lead the Blue Demons.
-DePaul ends the Easton Invitational with a 1-4 record.
-Even in defeat, the Blue Demons lead the all-time series against the Huskers 7-6.
