​Last season, this column was basically a celebration of the return of seven of eight starters in the field and Jordy Frahm along with huge bench pieces and nearly all other pitchers.This year is the complete opposite after losing three starting infielders, the entire starting outfield and all but one pitcher.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFrom a roster of 23, a total of 13 players are gone by way of 12 seniors and 2 players entering the portal. If that math appears off you are correct – Olivia DiNardo checked both boxes by being a redshirt senior and also transferring out. They are losing multiple bats who not only open up starting positions but were the heart of the two best offensive squads in school history. In 2026, they hit .325 with 97 HR’s and a staggering team OPS of .982 against the nation’s 7th toughest schedule.The Huskers defense takes a hit as well losing steel traps such as Ava Kuszak, Hannah Coor and Kacie Hoffman.And only Alexis Jensen (pictured above) returns from a staff which posted a 1.87 ERA led by Frahm’s mark of 1.37. Jensen will immediately slot into the ace spot after a freshman season which saw her win Big 10 Freshman of the Year and reach 3rd Team All-American status.Last season was more of a reload than rebuild with a #2 pitcher and a catcher to replace Ava Bredwell being the only true holes to fill. This year requires just a bit more.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLet’s see who’s coming back.5) Jesse Farrell (Sr) – C – .297 AB – 17 HR – 45 RBIs – .674 SL% – .352 OB% – 1.026 OPS7) Samantha Bland (Sr) – 3B – .301 – 4 – 19 – .463 – .392 – .855Natalia Hill (Jr) – LF- 0-3 with 1 BB at the plate but appeared in 51 games with 22 starts as a defensive specialist.Alexis Jensen (So) – DP(P) – .315 – 6 – 17 – .616 – .412 – 1.028Emmerson Cope (Sr) – DP (P, 1B) – .250 – 2 – 6 – .396 – .379 – .775Carlie Muhlbach (S0) – C (DP,1B?) – .346 – 1 – 6 – .577 – .514 – 1.091ALSO RETURNING (11 AB’S OR FEWER)Malia Thoms (Sr) – DP – Thoms made the most of her limited swings with 2 of her 3 hits leaving the yard, including the game’s lone home run in a 4-3 victory over Okie St. in Stillwater.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNessa McMillen (Jr) – OF – Rated nationally as a Top 50 incoming freshman, McMillan looks to be an integral part of the ‘27 team. Her lone hit was an RBI double on Senior Day against Iowa.Skarlett Jones (So) – INF(SS) – The former Gretna standout spent most of her freshman year sitting behind a loaded infield. Now, she jumps into mix to replace Ava Kuszak at short.Kennadi Williams (Jr) – PR (OF) The Lincoln high school track star has been the Huskers top pinch-running option for two years. For now, that appears to remain her role after the two-sport athlete stayed with the basketball team, joining softball after that season ended.Alexis Jensen (So) – 25-2 – 2.32 ERA – .996 WHIP – 153.2 IP –