Raleigh, N.C. – Cassie McClure drove in three runs and Emily Lockman tossed a four-hit shutout, as the Nebraska softball team completed the Big Ten/ACC Challenge with 3-0 win over Louisville on Sunday at Dail Stadium.

The Huskers (8-1) finished with a 3-1 record in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, helping the Big Ten win the inaugural event. Nebraska’s 8-1 start has also matched the best nine-game start in program history. 

Nebraska jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the third, taking advantage of a Cardinal error. Sophomore Laura Barrow singled with one out before senior Alicia Armstrong reached on a two-out error. That set the stage for McClure, who ripped a two-run double down the left field line to give the Huskers a 2-0 lead.

McClure added another RBI to increase Nebraska’s lead to 3-0 in the top of the fifth. Junior MJ Knighten drew a one-out walk and advanced to third on a single from Armstrong. McClure then scored Knighten with a ground out to short.

That was more than enough support for Lockman, who was masterful in throwing her first shutout of the season. Lockman allowed only three singles and one double, and she did not allow a Cardinal to reach third base. Lockman allowed a total of only six base runners and coaxed a pair of double-play ground outs in the sixth and seventh innings.

Nebraska returns to action next weekend against a tough schedule at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic. The Huskers face No. 1 Florida, No. 6 Oregon and No. 11 Washington in three of their four games next weekend.