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Sept. 23, 2004
IOWA CITY – The University of Iowa softball team opened up the 2004-05 season last weekend as they hosted the annual pre-season alumni game and the Fall Hawkeye Classic. The Hawkeyes tied with the alumni 3-3 in nine innings and went 4-0 during the Fall Hawkeye Classic. Iowa recorded wins over North Dakota State (4-0, 12-3), Drake (3-2) and Iowa State (6-0).
Freshman Summer Downs had no trouble adjusting to Pearl Field, going 6 for 15 with three doubles and three RBI on the weekend. Stacy May recorded a .500 batting average on the weekend and also recorded three RBI for the Hawkeyes. Mindy Heidgerken hit the first home run of the fall season for Iowa and Brandi Sorgent had one triple.
Iowa’s pitching staff was dominate as well. Ali Arnold gave up only seven hits in two games and recorded 16 strikeouts. Lisa Birocci struck out 14 while giving up only four hits. Biroccci threw a one hitter against Iowa State. Freshman Steph Ackerson came on in relief and pitched a total of four innings while recording four strikeouts.
“I thought our offense improved as the weekend went on,” Head Coach Gayle Blevins said. “We had solid performances at a lot of positions. We have a lot of depth and versatility on this squad and that will help us tremendously this year.”
The Hawkeyes travel to Cedar Falls, IA this weekend to compete in the All Iowa Tournament. Iowa’s first game is against Drake on Saturday at 1 p.m.