Powered by Alyvia Simmons, the Nebraska softball team used an eight-run second inning to cruise past Illinois 10-2 in five innings on Friday in Urbana, Illinois.
Simmons, a freshman outfielder, began the second inning with a single to left field, and she capped the frame with a three-run home run, which had the Huskers (19-9, 1-0 Big Ten) sitting comfortably in the early going.
Simmons finished 2-for-3 with a pair of runs, and senior outfielder Kiki Stokes added two hits and two RBIs. Junior Cassie McClure picked up her 11th win of the season, scattering five hits and striking out three.