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Columbia, Mo. • BYU's softball season came to end after a 2-0 loss against Nebraska on Friday night in an elimination game of the NCAA regional played at Missouri's University Field. Earlier in the day, the Cougars kept their hopes alive following their elimination of Louisville, 6-4.

Four of the first five Husker batters in the game singled against BYU starter McKenna Bull, including an RBI single by Mattie Fowler for a 1-0 lead. After Dawna Tyson's hit, the fourth in the inning, BYU coach Gordon Eaken lifted Bull. Cassie McClure greeted Olivia Sanchez with a sacrifice fly, then Sanchez retired ten in a row and gave up only one hit in relief.

Bull (27-13), the West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year, threw 114 pitches in the win against the Cardinals earlier in the day.

"Once we had McKenna going in the first game, we thought our best chance was to, if we were going to get any innings out of her in the second game, keep her going," said Eakin, whose Cougars finished 36-21 this season. "But she obviously didn't have it."

Sanchez then came on for her longest relief outing as a freshman and was outstanding.

"I didn't really know what the plan, but I just knew that I should be ready," said Sanchez.

In the afternoon game against Louisville, catcher Libby Sugg drove in a career-high five runs in BYU's 6-4 win in an elimination game. But Sugg, who had one of the three hits off Huskers winning pitcher Cassie McClure in the nightcap, felt the ebb and flow of the day after Friday night's season-ending loss.

"I think the high was definitely the win against Louisville. That was awesome. We all came together and strung hits," said the freshman from Franklin, Tenn. "We did the little things. That was how I believe we won that game, but unfortunately we fell short against Nebraska."

With only two seniors this season, Eakin foresees promising days ahead for BYU softball.

"We're excited about our future," said Eakin. "To take this nucleus and add the players coming in, and continue to grow the program and not fall just short."

The Cougars were trying to advance to their first super regional since winning the 2010 regional in Austin, Texas. —

Storylines

R BYU freshman Libby Sugg has career day on Cougars' final day.

• Olivia Sanchez sparkles in nightcap relief.

• Cougars fall short on bid to reach first NCAA super regional since 2010.