Sept. 29, 2004
IOWA CITY – The University of Iowa softball team went 4-0 in Cedar Falls, IA last weekend and won the UNI-All Iowa Fall Classic. The Hawkeyes gave up only three runs in four games and defeated Drake (8-0), Northern Iowa (7-2, 4-0) and Iowa State (3-1).
Junior Ali Arnold threw a perfect game against Drake, recording 10 strikeouts in six innings of work. The Hawkeyes had a five run sixth inning en route to the win.
Newcomer Brandi Sargent came through for Iowa against UNI as she hit a pinch hit grand slam in the bottom of the fifth to boost the Hawkeyes to victory. Arnold once again was solid on the mound, pitching a three-hit shutout.
Senior Lisa Birocci also had a solid weekend of pitching. Birocci threw a one-hitter against Iowa State and also picked up a win over UNI.
Freshman Summer Downs continued her hot streak, going 6-12 with 4 RBI and a homerun over the weekend. Stacy May recorded 5 RBI and two doubles for Iowa and Kylie Murray went 6-8 with two doubles.
“Again, we saw good progress in our fall games,” Head Coach Gayle Blevins said. “Our pitching was solid and allowed us to be in a position to win all four games. What’s great is that we will have some solid hitters who can come in off the bench as well. As a coaching staff, we are extremely encouraged by what we are seeing. Our goal is to continue to build everyday and that is exactly what the team is doing.”
The Hawkeyes conclude the fall season this Sunday against Indian Hills C.C. and Kirkwood C.C. at Pearl Field in Iowa City. The first pitch between Indian Hills and Iowa is scheduled for 2 p.m. Iowa and Kirkwood will face off at 4 p.m.