Brett Sears tossed a two-hit complete-game shutout, as the 24th-ranked Huskers opened the weekend series vs. Ohio State with a 3-0 win on Friday night at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park.

Nebraska (21-6, 4-0 Big Ten) scored three runs on seven hits, while Ohio State (12-13, 2-2 Big Ten) totaled zero runs on two hits.

Sears improved to 6-0 this season with the complete-game shutout, the first by a Husker since Will Walsh in the Big Ten Tournament last season. Sears limited the Buckeyes to just two hits, the fewest in a complete game by a Nebraska pitcher since Matt Waldron against Michigan State in 2019.

It also marked Sears’ seventh consecutive quality start, which is the longest streak by a Husker hurler since Aaron Mardsen recorded seven straight in 2002. The right-hander punched out a career-high 10 batters without issuing a free pass, his fourth outing this season with seven-plus strikeouts and zero walks.

Josh Caron finished 1-for-4 with a pair of RBI, giving him a team-high 34 on the season. Cayden Brumbaugh and Riley Silva tallied two hits apiece at the top of the lineup for the Big Red, while Cole Evans reached in all four plate appearances. Dylan Carey added a single for the Huskers.

The Huskers grabbed a one-run advantage in the opening frame behind a pair of hits from Brumbaugh and Silva. Nebraska loaded the bases with a pair of singles from the two Huskers and a walk to Evans. Brumbaugh scored on a play where Caron grounded into a double play to make it a 1-0 game through the first.

Sears picked up his third and fourth strikeouts of the night in the third, while the Husker offense tacked on two more runs to grow the lead to 3-0. Brumbaugh singled and later stole third, before Evans drew a full-count walk and moved to second on a wild pitch to put runners on second and third with one out.

With the Buckeye defense playing in to prevent a Husker run, Caron smacked a two-RBI single off the Ohio State third baseman to give NU a three-run lead.

Sears retired 14 of the first 16 batters he faced on Friday night after working around a one-out single in the top of the fifth. The Buckeyes nearly had consecutive hits in the fifth frame until Evans' diving, full-extension catch prevented OSU from recording its third hit of the night.

The Huskers threatened to stretch the lead in the seventh after having runners on second and third with one out. Silva singled and stole second and third, while Evans walked and swiped second to put a pair of runners in scoring position for the Big Red.

Ohio State swapped relief pitchers and struck out the next two Husker batters to keep it a three-run game through seven innings.

Sears retired the next 14 Buckeyes after the one-out single in the fifth to preserve the complete-game shutout.

No. 24 Nebraska and Ohio State continue the weekend series tomorrow at 12:02 p.m. at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park. Saturday’s matchup can be seen on Nebraska Public Media/B1G+, with Larry Punteney and Jeff Leise on the call, while fans can listen to Greg Sharpe and Ben McLaughlin call the action on the Huskers Radio Network.

NEBRASKA FALLS IN SERIES OPENER

A late home run powered Penn State to a 2-1 win over the Nebraska softball team Friday at Bowlin Stadium.

In a duel between two pitchers who rank in the top 10 nationally in wins, Bridget Nemeth fired a two-hitter and did not allow an earned run to improve to 16-1 on the season. Kaylin Kinney (14-9) pitched well for Nebraska, tossing a five-hitter but one of those hits was a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

Penn State improved to 27-7 on the year and moved ahead of Nebraska in the Big Ten standings with a 6-1 conference record. The Huskers saw their six-game winning streak snapped and fell to 22-14 on the year and 5-1 in Big Ten play.

Nebraska struck first, taking advantage of a Penn State error to take a 1-0 lead in the top of the first. Billie Andrews reached on a leadoff error before Brooke Andrews doubled down the left field line. After a lineout to first, a passed ball brought Billie Andrews home with the game's first run.

The pitchers dominated the next three innings before back-to-back infield singles and a sacrifice bunt gave Penn State runners at second and third with one out in the top of the fifth. But Kinney escaped the jam with a strikeout and a comeback grounder to the circle.

In the bottom of the fifth, Nebraska loaded the bases with two outs on an error, a Caitlynn Neal single and an intentional walk to Billie Andrews, but the Huskers were unable to add to their lead.

In the top of the sixth, a one-out walk was followed by a Maddie Gordon two-run home run that gave Penn State a 2-1 lead.

The Huskers were then retired in order in both the sixth and seventh innings.

Nebraska and Penn State continue their three-game series with game two Saturday at 1 p.m.

Post-Game Notes

• Nebraska lost for the first time this season when holding its opponent to fewer than three runs. The Huskers had been 9-0 this season when holding their opponents to fewer than three runs.
• Kaylin Kinney tossed a 7.0-inning complete game for just the second time in her career but for the second time this season.
• Caitlynn Neal singled in her first at bat, giving her a hit in four consecutive at bats stretching over three games.

OTABOR THROWS NCAA-LEADING MARK ON FRIDAY

Nebraska track and field began competition at the Jim Click Shootout in Tucson, Ariz. on Friday. The throwers highlighted the day, with Rhema Otabor throwing an NCAA-leading javelin mark, NU sweeping the top-four placements in the women’s javelin and two throwers moving up on the all-time list.

Otabor led the way in the javelin, hitting an NCAA-leading 191-10 (58.47m) to take the title. Mirta Kulisic threw for 175-2 (53.41m) to place second, Emmanuela Casadei went 175-0 (53.35m) to finish third and Eniko Sara had a distance of 156-10 (47.80m) to take fourth. All four javelin throwers have season-best marks ahead of the rest of the Big Ten. In the men’s javelin, Tyler Brown finished third with a 218-7 (66.62m).

Hillevi Carlsson took second in the hammer throw, while moving to second on the all-time list with a 206-3 (62.87m). Cammy Garabian added a fourth-place finish with a 197-10 (60.32m). On the men’s side, Henry Zimmerman went 223-4 (68.07m) in the hammer throw to place second and take the No. 2 spot on the all-time list. During the indoor season, Zimmerman had a historic season, breaking the weight throw school record on four occasions and earning First-Team All-America honors. Seth Schnakenberg added a seventh-place finish with a 203-7 (62.06m) during his second time ever competing in the hammer throw.

With two events remaining in the heptathlon, Favour Wanjoku is in 13th with 3,102 points and Rebecca Pecora is in 16th with 2,940 points. Wanjoku clocked a 14.62 in the 100m hurdles, cleared 5-1 (1.55m) in the high jump, threw 37-4 ½ (11.39m) in the shot put and ran a 24.74 in the 200m today. Pecora clocked a 15.13 in the 100m hurdles, cleared 5-5 ¾ (1.67m) in the high jump, went 27-10 ¼ (8.49m) in the shot put and ran a 25.23 in the 200m.

In the decathlon, Kolby Heinerikson is currently in 13th place with 3,593 points. He started the day with an 11.26 in the 100m, went 22-1 ½ (6.74m) in the long jump, threw 41-2 ½ (12.56m) in the shot put, cleared 6-0 (1.83m) and ran a 51.58 in the 400m.

Actions picks back up tomorrow with combined events at 12 p.m. (CT), field events at 1 p.m. (CT) and running events at 2:30 p.m. (CT).

HUSKERS PLACE THIRD AT BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Champaign, Ill.-  The No. 3 Nebraska men’s gymnastics team competed in the Big Ten Conference Championships where the Huskers concluded the team competition finishing in third place with a score of 407.350.  At least six gymnasts will earn a spot in the individual finals that are set to take place on the second day of the championships. The official announcement of who will be competing will be announced tomorrow morning. The second day of competition will begin on Saturday, April 6 at 7 p.m. (CT) on BTN.

Michigan’s Fred Richard earned the Big Ten all-around title with 83.90. Nebraska’s Taylor Christopulos placed second with 83.10 and Penn State’s Josh Karnes took third with 83.00 points.

Vault
The Huskers began the conference championships on vault, where they put up a team score of 70.55. Chase Mondi led the lineup with a strong 14.45 for the squad. Luke James followed where he put up a 14.25. Sam Phillips collected a 14.00. Zac Tiderman earned a 13.35 after suffering a fall. Taylor Christopulos capped the rotation with a solid 14.60 for Nebraska.

Michigan’s Paul Juda took the meet-best score on vault (15.05).

Parallel Bars
Nebraska earned a team score of 66.10 on parallel bars. James Friedman led with a 12.95. Cole Partridge picked up the momentum after notching a 13.80 for the team. Asher Cohen scored a 12.60, while Sam Phillips earned a 12.75, respectively. Christopulos impressed by concluding the event with a score of 14.00.

Penn State’s Josh Karnes earned the meet-best score on parallel bars (15.10).

High Bar
At the halfway point of the competition, the Huskers collected a team score of 67.10 on the high bar. Max Odden put up a 13.70 on the event, just .05 below his personal record. Cole Partridge notched a 13.35 for Nebraska. Tiderman put up a 12.95, while Phillips earned a 13.10, respectively. Christopulos anchored with a strong 14.00.

Michigan’s Evgeny Siminiuc and Crew Bold tied for meet-best score on high bars (14.10).

Floor
NU notched a score of 69.20 on the floor exercise, as a team. Toby Liang set the tone after collecting a 13.45. James earned a 13.80 for the Big Red. Chase Mondi registered 13.85, while Phillips garnered a 13.60, respectively. Christopulos secured a huge 14.50 for the Huskers.

Michigan’s Paul Juda took the meet best score on floor (14.75).

Pommel Horse
Nebraska earned a team score of 65.85 on pommel horse. Cooper Giles highlighted the event after garnering an impressive 14.20 on the event, earning a share of the meet-best score on the event. Nathan York led off and earned a score of 13.60 for NU. Travis Wong scored a 12.60, while Yanni Chronopoulos put up a 12.90, respectively. Christopulos put up a 12.55. Phillips closed the event with a score of 11.60.

Illinois’ Will Hauke shared the meet-best score with Giles on pommel horse (14.20).

Rings
On the final event of the evening, the Huskers put up a team score of 68.55. Friedman kicked off the rotation with 13.55, while Wong responded with a 13.75, respectively. Cohen put up a solid 13.95. Chris Hiser collected a 13.50 and Sam Phillips earned a 13.80, respectively. Christopulos capped the competition for the evening with a 13.45.

Illinois’ Ashton Anaya earned the meet-best score on rings (15.05).

Up Next
The second day of the Big Ten competition will feature the individual event finals, taking place tomorrow, Saturday, April 6. The meet will commence at 7 p.m. (CT) and will be broadcasted live on the Big Ten Network. Fans can also keep up with live updates by following @HuskerMGym on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

NU EARNS DOUBLES POINT, BUT FALLS TO #26 ILLINOIS

Lincoln, Neb. - Despite earning the doubles point and forcing three deciding tiebreaks in singles, the No. 61 Nebraska men’s tennis team (12-8, 1-3 Big Ten) fell to No. 26 Illinois, 4-2 on Friday evening. 

The Huskers and Fighting Illini started with doubles play. NU held the early lead on all three courts, before Shunya Maruyama and Leo Linquet got the first doubles win for the Huskers as they defeated Alex Petrov and William Mroz on Court Three, 6-2. Nic Wiedenhorn and Anton Shepp then clinched the doubles point on Court One with their 6-4 victory over Hunter Heck and Lucas Horve, 6-4. Calvin Mueller and Lars Johann’s match on Court Two was left unfinished, and the teams entered singles play with the Huskers up 1-0.

Illinois evened the score to start singles play as Shepp fell to #34 Heck 6-1, 6-1 on Court One. The Fighting Illini added two more points with Roni Hietaranta falling on Court Five to Mathis Debru, 7-5, 6-2, and Johann dropping his match 7-6 (5), 6-3 to Mroz. Linquet forced a third set on Court Six and then secured the singles point for the Big Red over Horve, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. With the Huskers trailing 2-3, Mueller and Maruyama battled on their respective courts. After both dropped the opening set, the duo secured the second set to force a deciding third set. Mueller kept it close until the end, but fell to Petrov, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4, and Illinois secured the match, 4-2. Maruyama’s match on Court Three was left unfinished with Maruyama leading in the third set, 5-1.  

Up next, the Huskers stay home to host #64 Northwestern on Sunday, April 7. Action is slated for 12 p.m. (CT), with live stats and streaming on huskers.com. 

Tennis Match Results
Illinois vs Nebraska
Apr 05, 2024 at Lincoln, NE
(Dillon Tennis Center)

#26 Illinois 4, #61 Nebraska 2

Singles competition
1. #34 Hunter Heck (ILL) def. Anton Shepp (NEB) 6-1, 6-1
2. Alex Petrov (ILL) def. #109 Calvin Mueller (NEB) 7-5, 3-6, 6-4
3. Shunya Maruyama (NEB) vs. #83 Kenta Miyoshi (ILL) 3-6, 7-6 (7-2), 5-1, unfinished
4. William Mroz (ILL) def. Lars Johann (NEB) 7-6 (7-5), 6-3
5. Mathis Debru (ILL) def. Roni Hietaranta (NEB) 7-5, 6-2
6. Leo Linquet (NEB) def. Lucas Horve (ILL) 2-6, 6-3, 6-4

Doubles competition
1. Nic Wiedenhorn/Anton Shepp (NEB) def. Hunter Heck/Lucas Horve (ILL) 6-4
2. Calvin Mueller/Lars Johann (NEB) vs. Mathis Debru/Kenta Miyoshi (ILL) 3-5, unfinished
3. Shunya Maruyama/Leo Linquet (NEB) def. Alex Petrov/William Mroz (ILL) 6-2

Match Notes:
Order of finish: Doubles (3,1); Singles (1,5,4,6,2)

HUSKERS ADVANCE IN NCAA REGIONALS

Lansing Mich. - The Nebraska bowling team finished 1-1 on its first day of the 2024 NCAA Lansing Regional Tournament. The Huskers fell in their first match to Maryville before cruising past Marian in the consolation bracket to advance to Saturday and the final round of regional play.

In the bracket opener the Huskers narrowly fell to Maryville, 1028-1052, in the traditional-style format match. Jillian Martin led the team with a score of 235 in the anchor spot, while Kayla Verstraete and Brenna Hartzler each rolled a 206. Alexis Buchert (200) and Lani Breedlove (181) rounded out the squad's total.  In the baker-style match, NU trailed the whole way dropping game one (169-226) and game two (204-227) as they fell behind early by 80 pins. The Big Red took the final three games but lost to Maryville, 961-987, to drop to the loser's bracket against Marian.

In Nebraska's second mega-match of the day, the Huskers came out with a win (1032-872) in the traditional format over Marian. Breedlove paced the Huskers with 240, followed by Martin (224) and Hartzler (202) who each eclipsed the 200-pin mark. Buchert (187) and Verstraete (179) completed NU's lineup as the Big Red took its first game of the day. After the win, the Huskers moved into the baker match and took game one (200-159), game two (191-148) and game three (192-177) before dropping the fourth game (148-203). With a 44-pin lead heading into the final game, NU took care of business winning 168-156 to grab a 899-843 victory over Marian and advance to Saturday's final rounds.

The Big Red returns to the lanes tomorrow at 8 a.m. CT in an elimination match against Maryville, where the winner will have to defeat No. 3 Youngstown State twice for the right to advance to the 2024 NCAA Bowling Championships. 

Stay up to date with the action by following the Nebraska Women's Bowling Twitter (@HuskerBowling), Instagram, and Facebook. Additionally, all matches will be broadcasted exclusively on BOWL.com (free subscription for the NCAA Regionals).