No. 13 Nebraska softball falls short against No. 2 Tennessee

Huskers unable to avenge 2025 season-ending loss to Lady Vols

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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No. 13 Nebraska softball (4-3) failed to get revenge on No. 2 Tennessee (6-0) for ending their 2025 season short of the Women's College World Series. The Lady Vols claimed their third straight win over the Huskers with a 4-1 victory in the Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational.

Why it matters

This matchup was a rematch of the 2025 season-ending series between the two teams, where Tennessee eliminated Nebraska from the WCWS. The Huskers were looking to avenge that loss, but were unable to do so as the Lady Vols continued their dominance over the Cornhuskers.

The details

Tennessee posted a three-run, three-hit fifth inning to take a 4-1 lead. Nebraska was held to just one hit and left seven runners on base. Huskers pitcher Jordy (Bahl) Frahm took the loss, allowing four runs in 4 2/3 innings. Tennessee used a committee approach, with Sage Mardjetko, Erin Nuwer, and Karlyn Pickens combining to hold Nebraska in check.

  • The Lady Vols advanced to the 2025 WCWS with a 2-1 series win over Nebraska in Knoxville, Tenn.
  • On February 13, 2026, Tennessee defeated Nebraska 4-1 in the Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational.

The players

Jordy (Bahl) Frahm

The Nebraska right-handed pitcher had a strong start but faltered in the fifth inning, allowing six hits and four runs while striking out four in 4 2/3 innings.

Alexis Jensen

The Nebraska freshman left-handed pitcher replaced Frahm and didn't allow a hit or run, striking out three in 2 1/3 innings.

Sage Mardjetko

The Tennessee right-handed pitcher started for the Lady Vols and allowed one hit, one run, and struck out four in three innings.

Karlyn Pickens

The Tennessee first-team All-American pitcher and the hardest-throwing pitcher in the country closed out the game for the Lady Vols, not allowing a hit or run but walking three and striking out four in three innings.

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What they’re saying

“We strike first.”

— Nebraska Softball (Twitter)

What’s next

The Huskers will next face UCF on Saturday, February 14 at 12:30 p.m. CT in Clearwater, Florida. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.

The takeaway

This loss highlights the continued dominance of Tennessee over Nebraska, as the Lady Vols have now defeated the Huskers three straight times, including ending their 2025 season. Nebraska will need to find a way to break through against one of the top teams in the country if they hope to make a deep postseason run.