Columbus, Ohio – The Nebraska softball team fell one win short of a Big Ten Tournament title Saturday night, falling to third-ranked Michigan, 6-1, in the championship game at Buckeye Field.

The top-seeded Wolverines swept the Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles, improving to 51-6 on the year. Nebraska, which fell one win short of an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament, dropped to 34-21 on the season. The Huskers will learn their postseason fate on Sunday night, when the 2015 NCAA Tournament field is announced.

Michigan jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning. A leadoff walk and a bunt single where the Huskers failed to cover first base set the stage for an RBI single and a sacrifice fly.

In the bottom of the frame, senior Steph Pasquale hit a fly ball to deep center, but Sierra Lawrence made a leaping grab to rob Pasquale of extra bases. Senior Kylee Muir then reached on a Wolverine error but Nebraska could not capitalize on the miscue.

Michigan stretched its lead to 6-0 with a four-run fifth inning that was highlighted by a three-run homer from two-time All-American Sierra Romero.

That was more than enough cushion for Wolverine starter Hailey Wagner, who held Nebraska to one run on three hits. The All-American left-hander improved to 21-2. The Wolverines outscored their opponents 31-2 during their three-game path to the title.

Despite allowing six runs, Nebraska received solid pitching outings from sophomore Cassie McClure and freshman Kaylan Jablonski. Michigan was not only held below its season average in runs, but the Wolverines were held without a hit in four of their seven innings. McClure and Jablonski also combined to retire Michigan in order four times.

McClure allowed two runs on only two hits in 2.0 innings in her first career start against a ranked opponent. Jablonski surrendered four runs (three earned) on four hits in 5.0 innings in her postseason debut.

Offensively for Nebraska finished with three hits. Junior Alicia Armstrong singled in the fourth to record the Huskers’ first hit. Then in the seventh, senior Steph Pasquale doubled before McClure lined an RBI single down the left field line to plate freshman pinch runner Taylor Otte with the Huskers’ lone run.

Classmate Kiki Stoke was the only other Husker to earn her way on base, as she was hit by a pitch in the sixth inning and then stole second to give Nebraska its first runner in scoring position on the night. Stokes has been hit by a school-record 17 pitches this season.

Nebraska will travel home on Sunday morning before gathering Sunday evening to watch the NCAA Tournament selection show.

Note: Senior Steph Pasquale and junior Kiki Stokes were named to the Big Ten All-Tournament team.