April 28, 2004
MACOMB, IL – The University of Iowa softball team defeated Western Illinois, 5-1, Wednesday in Macomb, IL. The Hawkeyes up their record to 34-18, while the Westerwinds fell to 22-26.
With the wind howling out of the park, Western Illinois took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first on a lead-off home run by Jessica Stanforth.
The Hawkeyes struck back with a longball of their own in the top of the seventh, when Mindy Heidgerken drilled a three-run home run over the left field fence. The homer was Heidgerken’s second of the season.
Iowa padded its lead in the third when Kylie Murray led off with a single and was pinch run for by Amanda Hentges. Hentges then advanced to third on an error by the pitcher, and Sarah Thomson followed up with a walk and a stolen base. Emily Gerlick then walked to load the bases, and Elisha Huse ripped a two-run single to center, giving Iowa a 5-1 lead.
Ali Arnold went the distance in the circle for Iowa, allowing only five hits while striking out a career-high 10 hitters. She upped her record to 15-9.
Iowa will return to action this Friday with a game at Minnesota. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.