Nebraska softball defeats South Dakota State 9-4 in home opener

Huskers rally from early deficit behind strong pitching performance from Alexis Jensen

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Nebraska softball team earned a 9-4 victory over South Dakota State in their home opener at Bowlin Stadium. Freshman pitcher Alexis Jensen overcame an early 4-2 deficit, striking out 13 batters over 7 innings to lead the Huskers to the win. Nebraska scored 5 runs in the 4th inning, including home runs from Ava Kuszak and Hannah Camenzind, to take control of the game.

Why it matters

This win marks a strong start to the home schedule for the 9th-ranked Nebraska softball team, who are looking to build on their success from earlier this season. The Huskers' ability to rally from an early deficit and get a dominant pitching performance from a freshman highlights the team's depth and resilience.

The details

Nebraska jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the 1st inning, but South Dakota State responded with a solo home run in the 2nd and a 3-run shot in the 3rd to take a 4-2 advantage. However, the Huskers tied the game at 4-4 in the 3rd on a 2-run homer by Ava Kuszak, then broke the game open with a 5-run 4th inning that included another Nebraska home run. Freshman pitcher Alexis Jensen settled in after the early struggles, retiring 7 straight batters and striking out 13 overall to earn the complete game victory.

  • The game was played on March 6, 2026 in Lincoln, Nebraska.
  • Nebraska jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the 1st inning.
  • South Dakota State hit solo and 3-run home runs in the 2nd and 3rd innings to take a 4-2 lead.
  • Nebraska tied the game at 4-4 in the 3rd inning on a 2-run homer by Ava Kuszak.
  • Nebraska scored 5 runs in the 4th inning, including a home run by Hannah Camenzind, to take a 9-4 lead.

The players

Alexis Jensen

A freshman left-handed pitcher for Nebraska who earned the complete game victory, allowing 7 hits and 4 earned runs while striking out 13 batters over 7 innings.

Ava Kuszak

A Nebraska player who hit a 2-run home run in the 3rd inning to tie the game at 4-4.

Hannah Camenzind

A Nebraska player who hit a home run in the 4th inning to help the Huskers take a 9-4 lead.

Abby Gentry

The South Dakota State third baseman who hit a solo home run in the 2nd inning.

Bria Riebel

The South Dakota State second baseman who hit a 3-run home run in the 3rd inning.

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What’s next

Nebraska will look to continue their strong start to the home schedule with additional games at Bowlin Stadium in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Nebraska's ability to rally from an early deficit and get a dominant pitching performance from a freshman highlights the depth and resilience of this Huskers softball team as they aim to build on their early-season success.