Errors Cost Softball Opening Game At Nebraska, 2-1

NORMAN, Okla. - Four errors resulted in two unearned runs and a 2-1 loss for the 17th-ranked Oklahoma softball team, which fell to 5-5 in Big 12 play with the loss to first-place Nebraska (31-12, 9-0) on Saturday afternoon. A regular-season record crowd of 1,523 at Bowlin Stadium watched an ugly contest between the two Big 12 powerhouses, who failed to plate an earned run in the game while combining for six errors.

Credit for the Sooners first inning run has to be given to Nebraska first baseman Jamie Waldecker. NU ace Peaches James struck out junior Jessica Leslie who checked her swing as the ball got away from Husker catcher Britney Yolo. Yolo made a good throw down to first where Waldecker botched what would have been the inning's final out. The error allowed freshman Norrelle Dickson (reached on fielder's choice) to come around from second and score the game's initial run.

Box Score

OU quickly gave away the lead in the bottom half of the first frame when a throwing error by starting pitcher Kami Keiter allowed Anne Steffan to wheel home from first base. Keiter settled down and struck out two of the final three batters in the first. After one inning the game was knotted at 1-1.

In the third inning another throwing error by Keiter led to the Huskers second unearned run of the game and a 2-1 lead for the home team.

The loss snapped a five game conference winning streak for OU, while it extended NU's conference streak to nine. The defeat did not snap Keiter's unearned-run streak, which she upped to 29 innings. Only three balls left the infield (all singles) against the junior All-American, who allowed five hits and two base on balls while striking out six in route to her 13th complete game of the season.

The loss drops Keiter to 9-8 on the season and marks the first time she has lost to the Huskers in her three year career. James improves to 25-5 and notches her first win against OU since 2001.

The Sooners could only muster two hits against James, who struck out 11 and walked three. The hits were turned in by April Valdez (single to center) and Heather Scaglione (double to left-center).

The lone offensive bright spot for OU was Dickson, who stole three bases to improve her season total to 23. The three swipes ties a single game-high for the freshman shortstop and improves her season total to the sixth best in OU history. She is currently tied at No. 6 with Erin Evans, who had 23 steals in 2000. The other time she swiped three bases was against Sam Houston State on Feb. 22.

The Huskers and Sooners will tangle again Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m.