Freshman Hailey Nutter throws second no-hitter of season

Kentucky softball star continues historic start to college career

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hailey Nutter, a freshman pitcher for the University of Kentucky softball team, threw her second no-hitter of the season on Sunday against Indiana State. Nutter faced only 22 batters, struck out 12, and did not allow a hit in the game. She is the first Kentucky player to throw multiple no-hitters since 2016.

Why it matters

Nutter's early-season dominance has been a major factor in Kentucky's strong 12-4 start to the season. As a freshman, she has already matched a feat accomplished by one of the program's all-time greats, showcasing her immense talent and potential.

The details

In the game against Indiana State, Nutter threw 72 pitches, 50 of which were strikes. The only baserunner she allowed reached on a Kentucky error. Nutter's first no-hitter of the season came against Loyola-Chicago in the first weekend of the year. Through eight appearances and six starts, Nutter is 6-1 with a 1.71 ERA, 47 strikeouts, and just 17 hits and 8 earned runs allowed in 32.2 innings.

  • Nutter's first no-hitter was against Loyola-Chicago in San Diego the first weekend of the season.
  • Her second no-hitter came on Sunday, February 23, 2026 against Indiana State in Memphis.

The players

Hailey Nutter

A freshman pitcher for the University of Kentucky softball team who has thrown two no-hitters in the first three weeks of her collegiate career.

Kelsey Nunley

A former Kentucky softball player who previously held the record for most no-hitters thrown by a Kentucky player, which Nutter has now matched as a freshman.

Rachel Lawson

The head coach of the University of Kentucky softball team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Hailey Nutter now is 6-1 to start her freshman season.”

— Larry Vaught, Author (yoursportsedge.com)

What’s next

Kentucky will host the John Cropp Classic beginning Friday, February 28, 2026 with games against Michigan State and Dayton.

The takeaway

Hailey Nutter's historic start to her college softball career at Kentucky has been a major factor in the team's strong 12-4 opening to the season. As a freshman, she has already matched a feat accomplished by one of the program's all-time greats, showcasing her immense talent and potential.