The No. 12 OU softball team defeated Nebraska 3-2 in yet another close, tough game Saturday at the OU Softball Complex in Norman.

OU was looking to stay in the Big 12 race in the midst of recent struggles.

“We just hadn’t been able to take advantage of opportunities, and I think that’s why we’ve been struggling a little,” Head coach Patty Gasso said.

Senior first baseman Samantha Ricketts capped off a strong individual game with a game-winning single in the bottom of the eighth inning, driving in sophomore outfielder Haley Anderson. Ricketts went 4-5 with two RBIs in the game.

“Ricketts always steps up for Nebraska it seems,” Gasso said.

Ricketts said she was happy when Nebraska intentionally walked junior infielder Amber Flores to get to her.

“I just started smiling, because I love stuff like that,” Ricketts said. “Either one of us probably would have done it, either Flores or me, but and I just took the opportunity.”

Senior pitcher D.J. Mathis started for the Sooners, pitching 5.1 innings and allowing two runs on four hits with five strikeouts before being relieved by freshman pitcher Allee Allen.

Allen struck out five in 2 2/3 innings to finish off the game. She improved to 13-2 on the season with the win.

“I think that was the highlight besides [Ricketts], seeing a freshman come in and say ‘I’m gonna win this for you,’” Gasso said.

Nebraska struck first in the top of the third inning when senior catcher Brittany Pascale hit a two-out single with runners on second and third base to take a 1-0 lead.

OU answered back in the bottom half of the inning. Flores was hit by a pitch, then Ricketts hit an RBI double to tie the game 1-1.

The Cornhuskers regained the lead in the top of the fifth inning on a fielder’s choice sacrifice fly with runners on second and third.

Freshman Ashley Hagemann came in the game in relief for Nebraska in the fourth inning, and she struggled with her control in the bottom of the fifth. Hagemann walked three batters in the inning and walked in the Sooners’ second run of the game.

Hagemann was pulled from the game in the fourth in favor of senior pitcher Molly Hill who started the game for Nebraska.

In the bottom of the seventh inning with the game tied a two runs apiece, junior catcher Lindsey Vandever was hit by a pitch. She advanced to second when freshman designated player Katie Norris reached base on an error. The Sooners left both runners on base however, and the game went into extra innings where the Sooners eventually prevailed.

Freshman infielder Karolyne Long extended her hitting streak to seven games, going 1-2 with an RBI. Her streak is the longest current streak on the team.

The 29-11 Sooners (6-3 Big 12) finish the series against Nebraska on Sunday. Gasso said that a win in that game could be an important boost to the team.

“We want the sweep, and to springboard off this series,” Gasso said.

Sunday’s game starts at 1 p.m.