Jordy Bahl Blasts Homer, Gets Win in Nebraska Softball’s Season Opener Over No. 6 Tennessee

One year ago, Jordy Bahl didn't get an at-bat in her first game with Nebraska before going down with a knee injury that ended her season prematurely.

Thursday night, she came up big at the plate and in the circle, leading the Huskers to a 7-1 win over No. 6 Tennessee at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Fla.

Bahl blasted her first career home run over the left field wall in the top of the fifth inning, driving in two to give the Huskers a 5-1 lead, and she never looked back. She finished the night 1-for-3 with two runs batted in.

The preseason All-American also dominated in the circle, limiting the Vols to five hits while striking out seven in a complete-game victory.

She hit it out of the park AND the frame!!@jordybahl adds two more to the board with a homer to LF 💥

M5 | Huskers lead 5-1 pic.twitter.com/SmcunYduQq
— Nebraska Softball (@HuskerSoftball) February 7, 2025

The game was set up to be one of the best pitching duels of the weekend, and both women delivered. Karlyn Pickens got the nod for the Vols and was steamrolling through the NU lineup until a disastrous fifth inning.

With Abbie Squier and Lauren Camenzind on base, Samantha Bland stepped to the plate and hit what appeared to be an easy ground ball to third base. She was credited with a single despite the throw sailing over the first baseman's head. All three runners scored to give Nebraska a 3-1 lead.

GIVE ‘EM SIX SAMMY.@samanthablandd's 3rd hit of the night extends our lead 6-1 ‼️ pic.twitter.com/MtjUbwVBkL
— Nebraska Softball (@HuskerSoftball) February 7, 2025

The rout was on from there, and Bahl's bomb extended the lead to 5-1.

In the seventh, Bland drove in another run with a double to center field followed by Ava Kuszak's sacrifice fly to left field to score the speedy third baseman.

Bland finished the night 3-for-3 with a double, two runs scored and two RBIs. Abbie Squier and Kuszak also recorded hits in the contest.

Pickens finished with 11 strikeouts and two hit batters while giving up five hits and five runs. Sage Mardjetko relieved Pickens and surrendered two earned runs on one hit. She struck out two.

Nebraska returns to the field Friday at 2:45 p.m. CST against Southern Miss and then again at 6 p.m. against Bethune-Cookman. Both games will be streamed on the GameChanger app and broadcast on the Husker Radio Network.

Box score

HUSKERS ON TOP 🌽🗻 pic.twitter.com/lm5dsNUiL8
— Nebraska Softball (@HuskerSoftball) February 7, 2025

Nebraska Athletics Notes

Nebraska's win over No. 6 Tennessee marked its first top 10 win since 2018, when it beat No. 6 Texas A&M.
Jordy Bahl made her return to the circle for the Huskers, while Abbie Squier made her return to the outfield. Bahl was injured in the first game of the 2024 season while Squier missed the entire 2024 campaign.
Bahl pitched all seven innings for Nebraska, marking the 27th complete game of her career.
Bahl’s home run in the top of the fifth inning to make the NU lead 5-1 was the first of her career.
Samantha Bland posted three hits for the 13th multi-hit game of her career.
Ava Kuszak (shortstop), Olivia DiNardo (designated player), Lauren Camenzind (second base) and Nessa McMillen (center field all made their first starts for Nebraska.
Ava Bredwell started her 157th game for NU, which is the most on the team.

Jordy Bahl Blasts Homer, Gets Win in Nebraska Softball’s Season Opener Over No. 6 Tennessee

Nebraska Athletics Notes

MORE: Husker Football: The Spring Game Goes Bye-Bye

MORE: WATCH: Cinematic Recap of Nebrasketball's Comeback Win at Washington

MORE: Gallery: Dani Busboom Kelly's Welcome Home

MORE: WATCH: Nebraska Volleyball Coach Dani Busboom Kelly's Introductory Press Conference

MORE: Big Ten Basketball Midweek Rundown: Conference Championship Race Narrows After Upsets