WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Boilermakers kicked off Dedication Weekend with a 1-0 win over Nebraska as junior Lilly Fecho pitched a gem, including six strikeouts, which gave her possession of the Purdue single season strikeouts record (219). The tally surpassed Suzie Rzegocki's 2010 total of 216.
The Boilers scored their one run on six hits, including a 3-for-3 day by freshman Kaylah Hampton and a two-hit effort by senior Ashley Burkhardt. The Huskers managed six hits on the day.
Fecho struck out six and threw her fifth shutout of the season in the complete-game victory. Emily Lockman struck out five in the loss for Nebraska.
Nebraska wasted a first inning single, stranding the runner at third.
The Boilermakers had their first runner as Hampton sent a one-out single up the middle in the second. A fielder's choice play put junior Paris Andrew aboard and she promptly stole second, but was left aboard by a strikeout.
The Huskers threatened in the third, loading the bases with a one-out walk and two singles. Andrew made a great play on a line drive and the Boilers handled an infield pop up to end the threat.
A fielding error and a stolen base put senior Alyssa Koorsen at second in the third inning, but a ground ball kept her from scoring.
Purdue had three hits in the fourth, but could not push a run across. Burkhardt doubled to start the inning, but was caught stealing third. Hampton and Andrew posted two out singles and moved into scoring position on the Huskers' throw home to prevent a run. A grounder to second base left the game scoreless.
Nebraska loaded the bases again in the fifth on an error, a single and a walk, but the Boilermaker defense held, converting a fielder's choice play at the plate and a strikeout to end the inning.
The Boilermakers broke through with a run on a hit in the fifth. Junior Lexi Valone drew a leadoff walk and was sacrificed over to second. Junior Mary Gooding joined her with a walk. Burkhardt drove in the game winner with a single to center field, plating Valone. A fly out left Burkhardt and Gooding stranded in scoring position, but the damage was done.
Hampton added her third hit with a leadoff single in the sixth. Pinch runner Morgan Cavinder advanced to second on a ground out but the Boilers couldn't add another score.
The Huskers got a leadoff single in the seventh to keep hope alive, but a fielder's choice play at second, a fly ball and an infield grounder capped the Purdue victory.
The Boilermakers and Huskers will face off again at 1 p.m. Saturday following the Stadium Dedication ceremony, which will begin at 12:40 p.m. It is also Alumnae Day at the ballpark and the Boilers will celebrate more than 20 alums in attendance at the game.