Hawkeyes Defeat Northern Illinois, 5-1

March 5, 2004

The University of Iowa softball team defeated the Northern Illinois Huskies, 5-1, Saturday at the Speedline Invitational in Tampa, FL. The Hawkeyes (8-4) now have a 2-1 record in pool play.

Ali Arnold picked up her fifth win of the season.

In exhibition action, the Hawkeyes fell to the defending Olympic Gold Medal-winning Team USA, 11-0 in five innings. Former Arizona standout Jennie Finch no-hit the Hawkeyes, while the Red, White and Blue hitters pounded out 11 hits. Crystl Bustos was 3-for-3 with two home runs and five RBIs.

Lisa Birocci started in the circle for Iowa and pitched two innings. Arnold came in and tossed the final two. The sophomore struck out three Olympic team members, including softball legend Lisa Fernandez.

The Hawkeyes will finish pool play with a 10 a.m. game against Troy State and a noon contest with Tennessee-Chattanooga.