While much of the talk coming into the 2024 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge was about Jordy Bahl’s potential debut with Nebraska, it was the Washington Huskies who stole the spotlight Thursday night at Nancy Almaraz Stadium in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Washington (1-0) scored seven runs across the third and fourth innings to build an 8-0 lead, and holding off Nebraska (0-1) in the top of the fifth meant the Huskies got to go home early – and with a perfect record to start their 2024 campaign.

• Subscribe To FloSoftball To Watch The 2024 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge
• The 2024 USA Today / NFCA Division I Top 25 Coaches Poll: OU Softball No. 1
• Nebraska Softball Schedule 2024: What To Know
• Washington Huskies Softball Schedule 2024: What To Know

The matchup was the season-opening game for both teams and part of an exciting day in Puerto Vallarta that also included top-ranked Oklahoma, Duke, Iowa State and Utah Valley.

Despite Washington making it to the Women’s College World Series last season, finishing the year with 44 wins and coming into the new campaign ranked No. 7 in the preseason USA Today/NFCA Division I Top 25 Coaches Poll, it all seemed to be overshadowed by Bahl’s transfer from Oklahoma to Nebraska and whether she’d be the Huskers’ started Thursday. 

Yes, Bahl got the start on the mound for Nebraska. Yes, the All-American and two-time national champion with Oklahoma started her Husker career with a strikeout. 

Then, Washington took over.

Bahl threw almost 40 pitches in the opening inning and struggled with control issues. 

In 2 1/3 innings, she had four walks, three wild pitches and hit one batter. She left the game due to injury with one out in the third inning, a runner on third base and the Huskies leading 2-0.

Washington capitalized on the chaos and tagged Bahl’s replacement – freshman left-hander Caitlynn Olensky – for four more runs, with the first being credited back to Bahl. 

The big damage came when Washington freshman Jadyn Glab blasted a three-run home run to center field, giving the Huskies a 6-0 lead through three innings. 

Washington rallied for two more runs in fourth inning and shut down Nebraska again in the fifth inning, ending the game early. 

Sophomore Ruby Meylan picked up the win for Washington with a complete-game shutout. She gave up two hits, struck out three and walked one in the victory. 

Offensively, Washington collected just six hits, with Glab and Alana Johnson picking up two each. Glab had four RBIs, while Johnson had three.

Junior catcher Ava Bredwell had both hits for Nebraska – a single in the second inning and another in the fourth. 

Up next for Washington is Utah Valley on Friday at 7 p.m. Eastern, followed by the Huskies’ first big test of 2024 – and an opportunity to make history. The Huskies will take on No. 1 Oklahoma on Friday at 9:30 p.m. EST.

The Sooners, the three-time defending national champions, picked up a pair of wins at the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge on Thursday to extend their record winning streak to 55 games. 

Nebraska’s next game is a meeting with Duke on Friday at 1:30 p.m. Eastern, followed by Long Beach State at 4 p.m. EST. The Huskers will finish their week in Mexico against Utah Valley on Saturday morning at 11:30 a.m. EST.

About The Puerto Vallarta College Challenge

The 2024 edition of the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge is loaded with talent. The season-opening event features 15 teams, split into two groups for 31 games of valuable competition. 

Nebraska and Washington are playing in the first half of the event from Feb. 8-11 and are joined by Utah Valley, Duke, Long Beach State, Iowa State and Oklahoma. 

Session 2 (Feb. 14-18) will include Clemson, Wichita State, UC San Diego, Auburn, Utah, South Carolina, Mississippi State and UC Davis.

Of the 15 teams, Oklahoma, Washington and Utah were among the eight teams that played in the 2023 WCWS in Oklahoma City. 

Follow the action live, as FloSoftball provides news and notes from all the games at the 2024 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge.

Box Score

Washington Softball Tops Nebraska In Five Innings

The Washington Huskies held off Nebraska in the fifth inning of their game Thursday night at the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge, and they got to go home early, claiming an 8-0 win in their season-opening game.

Washington Softball Extends Lead Over Nebraska

After a chaotic and exciting third inning, there was more of the same for Washington in the fourth inning, as the Huskies extended their lead over Nebraska to 8-0.

The inning had everything - hits, fielder's choice, walks, a pinch hit, a pinch runner - even an interference call. 

Alana Johnson again made the Huskers pay, as she blasted a double to left-center field, driving in Kinsey Fielder and Sydney Stewart to put the Huskies ahead 8-0. 

A bright spot for Sarah Harness and Nebraska? They escaped a bases-loaded jam and held Washington to just the two runs in the fourth inning. 

Washington Pulls Ahead Against Nebraska Softball

The walks and wild pitches continued for Jordy Bahl in the bottom of the third inning against Washington, but she ended up leaving the game with an injury with one out, a runner on third base and the Huskies leading 2-0.

Freshman left-hander Caitlin Olensky came on in relief for Nebraska, and her first pitch was laced to left field for an RBI single by Alana Johnson. 

Brooke Nelson reached on an error on the next pitch, and both runners advanced on a wild pitch. 

Washington freshman Jadyn Glab makes the Huskers pay, as she blasts a three-run home run to center field, giving the Huskies a 6-0 lead.

Nebraska bring in Sarah Harness to try to close out the third inning, which she does. 

Nebraska Softball Unable To Answer Against Washington

Jordy Bahl is hit by a pitch in the third inning of Nebraska's matchup with Washington at the 2024 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge, but she again is not able to capitalize on getting on base.

Nebraska still has just one hit and no runs. The Huskers trail Washington 1-0.

Bahl Having Control Issues Against Washington Softball

After throwing nearly 40 pitches in the opening inning, things didn't improve for Bahl in her return to the circle. 

In the second inning, she hit Alana Johnson, who then stole second base and advanced to third on a wild pitch. 

Bahl then walked Brooke Nelson, who stole second to put runners on second and third.

Johnson scored on a single from Jadyn Glab with no outs. 

Nelson was thrown out at home on a fielder's choice play from the shortstop for the first out, and Bahl struck out Brooklyn Carter again for the second out. 

Another fielder's choice ended the inning with minimal damage for Nebraska. Washington leads 1-0.

Pitchers' Duel Commencing In Nebraska-Washington Softball Game

Ruby Meylan held Nebraska at bay in the top of the second inning in Puerto Vallarta.

The Huskers have one hit and no runs.

Washington coming up.

Jordy Bahl Delivers In Nebraska Softball Debut

The opening at-bat from Brooklyn Carter went 11 pitches and ended with Jordy Bahl's first strikeout as a Nebraska Cornhusker. 

Bahl finished the inning with two strikeouts, with back-to-back walks along the way. She threw 38 pitches in the inning, including a wild pitch, while the Huskies didn't hit a single pitch into fair territory. 

No hits and no runs for Washington in the first inning.

Washington Shuts Down Nebraska To Start Their Meeting In Mexico

Sophomore pitcher Ruby Meylan got out of the opening inning without much drama.

In he first at-bat as a Husker, Jordy Bahl walked and stole second base. She was thrown out heading for third on a heads-up fielder's choice play by Washington. 

2024 Softball Season Underway For Nebraska And Washington

Nebraska and Washington are underway at the 2024 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge, and it has been confirmed - Jordy Bahl is the starting hurler for the Huskers, and she'll be batting second.

When Is The Nebraska Vs. Washington Softball Game?

Nebraska will take on Washington at Nancy Almaraz Stadium in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Eastern.

How To Watch The Nebraska Vs. Washington Softball Game

Watch the 2024 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge on FloSoftball and the FloSports app.

FloSoftball will be streaming several NCAA Division I college softball tournaments, including the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, THE Spring Games and the Mark Campbell Collegiate Invitational.

The lineup is in 📝

First pitch coming up at 4:50 p.m. PT on @FloSoftball#MightyAreTheWomen pic.twitter.com/bM8zN4lEZZ

— Washington Softball (@UWSoftball) February 9, 2024

Washington Huskies On Opening Weekend

Washington has had a fortunate run of success during is opening weekends in recent years, compiling a 45-4 mark since 2014.

The Huskies opened their 2023 campaign with three wins at the Mark Campbell Invitational, before running into Oklahoma.

Washington finished the event with a 4-1 record, then went on to win another five games at the Houston Classic, starting the season 9-1.

📋: Opening Day lineup for the Red Team

First pitch will be later than 6:30pm CT due to a prior game running long. We'll keep you posted. pic.twitter.com/AKhFP3jFCT

— Nebraska Softball (@HuskerSoftball) February 9, 2024

Nebraska's Jordy Bahl Named To POY Watch List

Junior pitcher and two-time All-American Jordy Bahl made headlines in the offseason when she transferred from reigning national champion Oklahoma to Nebraska.

Last month, she found the spotlight again, as she was named as one of 50 players on the preseason watch list for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year honor.

See the complete story and details HERE.

Fast Fact About Washington Softball

Washington ended the 2023 season with a record of 44-15. 

In the 30 full seasons of Huskies softball, the program has compiled 40 or more wins in 21 of them.

2024 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge Gets Off To Hot Start

The first two games of the 2024 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge drew countless eyes from around the world to see how the No. 1 team in the nation would handle the pressure of a 53-game winning streak and the hunt for a fourth consecutive national title.

Oklahoma answered with a 13-0 blowout win against Utah Valley and a by grinding through a tougher matchup with Duke to prevail 3-0. Read more:

• Oklahoma Softball Recap: Sooners Defeat Utah Valley In Puerto Vallarta
• Oklahoma Softball Recap: No. 1 OU Tops Duke 3-0

2024 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge Schedule

Here's the complete schedule for both weekends:

Session 1

All times Eastern

Feb. 8

• 11:30 a.m. – Utah Valley vs. Oklahoma
• 2 p.m. – Duke vs. Oklahoma
• 5 p.m. – Iowa State vs. Utah Valley
• 7:30 p.m. – Nebraska vs. Washington

Feb. 9

• 11 a.m. – Duke vs. Iowa State
• 1:30 p.m. – Duke vs. Nebraska
• 4 p.m. – Long Beach vs. Nebraska
• 7 p.m. – Utah Valley vs. Washington
• 9:30 p.m. – Oklahoma vs. Washington

Feb. 10

• 11:30 a.m. – Nebraska vs. Utah Valley
• 2 p.m. – Oklahoma vs. Long Beach
• 5 p.m. – Washington vs. Iowa State
• 7:30 p.m. – Duke vs. Long Beach

Feb. 11

• 10 a.m. – Iowa State vs. Long Beach

Session 2

All times Eastern

Feb. 14

• 1 p.m. – Clemson vs. Wichita State

Feb. 15

• 11 a.m. – UC San Diego vs. Clemson
• 1:30 p.m. – UC Davis vs. Auburn
• 4 p.m. – Utah vs. Auburn
• 7 p.m. – Wichita State vs. South Carolina
• 9:30 p.m. – Utah vs. South Carolina

Feb. 16

• 11 a.m. – Mississippi State vs. UC Davis
• 1:30 p.m. – South Carolina vs. UC Davis
• 4 p.m. – UC San Diego vs. Mississippi State
• 7 p.m. – Clemson vs. Utah
• 9:30 p.m. – Auburn vs. Wichita State

Feb. 17

• 11 a.m. – South Carolina vs. UC San Diego
• 1:30 p.m. – UC Davis vs. Wichita State
• 4 p.m. – Clemson vs. Auburn
• 7 p.m. – Mississippi State vs. Utah
• 9:30 p.m. – Mississippi State vs. Clemson

Feb. 18

• 11 a.m. – UC San Diego vs. Utah

Nebraska Softball Gets An Upgrade

In mid-June, All-American Jordy Bahl announced she’d be returning to her home state of Nebraska and taking the mound for the Huskers.

In two seasons at Oklahoma, Bahl compiled a 44-2 record in 46 starts. Overall, she had a 1.00 ERA and 397 strikeouts in 288 2/3 innings, while earning the Big 12 and National Freshman of the Year Awards in 2022. She was a first-team All-American and the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year both of her seasons at Oklahoma.

While taking aim at many of Oklahoma’s pitching records, she also helped the Sooners to the second and third of their three consecutive national titles. She was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2023 Women’s College World Series. 

With Bahl’s arrival likely having a little something to do with it, Nebraska landed among the top 20 in four preseason college softball polls. 

Washington’s Last Appearance At The Puerto Vallarta College Classic

The last time Washington made an appearance at the Puerto Vallarta College Classic was 2022.

The Huskies rolled through the event, beating Lamar, Long Beach State, Arkansas, Rutgers and Arkansas (again) to leave Mexico 5-0 on the season. 

Washington went on to win another four games to start the St. Pete-Clearwater Elite Invitational, before losing to Clemson.

Other Things To Watch Around The College Softball World This Week

Oklahoma and a handful of ranked teams will start their seasons in Mexico. Others will find their way to events across the country. Rest assured, there will NOT be a shortage of softball action this week on FloSoftball.

HERE is a look at where the top 25 teams will be starting the 2024 season.

Additional Events:

FAU Paradise Classic in Boca Raton, Florida (Feb. 8-11)

Candrea Classic in Tucson, Arizona (Feb. 8-11)

Mark Campbell Invitational in Irvine, California (Feb. 10)

THE Spring Games Opening Weekend (Feb. 15-18)

2024 College Softball Rankings

Here is the D1Softball Preseason Top 25 Poll, with last season’s overall records included.

FloSoftball Archived Footage

Video footage from past seasons is archived and stored in a video library for FloSoftball subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscriptions.

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