The Huskers entered the NFCA Leadoff Classic ranked between 14th and 23rd in the major softball polls and left it in pretty similar fashion ranked 17th (ESPN/USA Softball and Softball America), 19th (D1 Softball) and 18th (USA Today/NFCA).
While the rankings tracked pretty straight near the median of their original ones, the actual trip itself was more of the roller coaster variety.
The Huskers trailed #5 Tennessee until they blew it open with a huge 5-run 5th inning against the Vols and their All-American starter Karlyn Pickens on their way to a convincing 7-1 upset of the SEC powerhouse.