A Point Against the Eighth-Best Team in America

Husker fans, the eighth-ranked team in the country walked into Hibner Stadium on Thursday night. They walked back out with a single point — and so did Nebraska.

The Huskers and Notre Dame finished level at 1-1. For thirty-nine minutes of it, Nebraska was the team in front.

Nathalie Lewis put them there in the 33rd. That is already her second of the young season, and this one came against a back line ranked inside the top ten nationally.

The Irish needed until the 72nd to find a reply, when Ellie Hodsden pulled them level. Nothing separated the two sides after that.

Now the number that decided it. Avery Gillahan made five saves in the Nebraska goal. At the other end, Jackie Holloman was called into action three times. Put those side by side and you can see which way the night ran — and who kept a point on the board for the Big Red.

Lewis was twice on target herself. Ella Rudney and Jo Sees each got one away on frame.

Here is where it leaves things: Nebraska sits at 1-0-2 and has not lost a match yet. Notre Dame is 0-0-3 — three times out, three times level, a top-ten ranking that so far has produced no wins at all.

No rest coming, either. No. 18 Alabama is next at Hibner, Sunday, Aug. 23, noon CT on B1G+. Two ranked opponents inside four days, both of them in Lincoln.

Husker fans, this team just stood in against the eighth-best side in the country and never blinked. Go see what they do with the second one.