CREIGHTON GAME – THINGS TO LOOK FOR:
- Let’s face it – anything other than a convincing win should not be expected. After winning the UCLA series, the Huskers scooted up in the national rankings as well as one spot in the national RPI to #2 – Creighton is #151.
- But Creighton is tied for 2nd in the Big east with a 7-2 record. Their bats must be respected (.315 BA), especially if Revelle opts to rest Jordy Frahm and Alexis Jensen.
- Their pitching is another story, however. Think of them as UCLA’s staff minus Taylor Tinsley with a team ERA of 5.24 and a WHIP of 1.770. Even with a couple of seldom-seen faces likely in the lineup, the Huskers should feast on Bluejay pitching.
- The Huskers are now ranked #4, #5, #5 and #8 in the softball polls. Do not let the #8 from the USA Today/NFCA coaches poll upset you too much. They usually appear to look at conference, won-loss record and not much else when casting their votes. The other polls are respecting Nebraska’s tough non-conference schedule and success against opponents like Texas and Texas Tech.
- But keep in mind, Creighton appears a little improved over last season when they scrapped and went the distance in an 8-2 loss to the Huskers. Nebraska must stay focused against a team who will NOT be treating this as just another mid-week conference game. This is their Rocky vs. Apollo Creed moment of the season.
HUSKER GAME INFO
Schedule: (All times CST)
March 31 – Creighton 5 p.m.
Location: Creighton Sports Complex, Omaha NE (new field currently under construction)
TV/Streaming: Tuesday’s game will be streamed on ESPN+.
Radio: Huskers Radio Network. You can listen for free at Husker Audio – University of Nebraska – Official Athletics Website huskers.com – Nate Rohr is on the call for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Weather: Tuesday’s game will be played under overcast skies with temps around 61 at first pitch and slowly cooling off
5 degrees or so as the game progresses. Winds will blow out the NNE at around 1-2-mph.
THE OPPONENT
Creighton (18-18, 7-2 Big East – T2)
Creighton is an even 18-18 this season with a 7-2 record in conference play. The Bluejays are 7-3 when playing at Creighton Softball Stadium. Nebraska and Creighton share common opponents in Omaha and Seattle. NU is 3-0 against those opponents, while Creighton is 3-1. Head Coach Krista Wood is in her fourth season with the Bluejays and 20th in her career. She has a total record of 614-413 and is 106-96 at Creighton.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Erika Perez boasts a 1.127 OPS with 34 hits and 24 RBIs. Wichita State transfer Avery Barnard bats .325 with nine doubles, while Kaelan Schultz is 31-for-99 with eight doubles and four home runs.
Audrey Gilman has thrown 98.1 innings for the Bluejays and has an 8-7 record in the circle. She owns a 4.56 ERA with 56 strikeouts and 59 walks, along with 64 earned runs on 123 hits.
