Feb. 26, 2005
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Louisville, KY – The University of Iowa softball team defeated Minnesota and Louisville on Saturday at the Courtyard by Mariott Red and Black Tournament. The Hawkeyes downed the Golden Gophers in game one, 3-0 and the Cardinals in game two, 5-3.
Senior Lisa Birocci had another solid performance in the circle against Minnesota. Birocci threw a complete game shutout with 10 strikeouts. Birocci struck out the side in the first inning with two runners in scoring position and continued to dominate throughout the game.
Freshman Summer Downs continued to hit well for the Hawkeyes. Downs was 2-3 with an RBI and a run scored against Minnesota. Junior Natalie Johnson was also 2-3 with a double and a run scored. Sophomore Sami Baugh was 1-3 with her second home run of the season.
Junior Ali Arnold picked up her second win of the season in game two against Louisville. Arnold threw five innings and recorded five strikeouts. Birocci picked up her second save of the season, throwing two innings of relief.
Junior Stacy May led the Hawkeyes offensively, going 3-4 with two RBI and a run scored. May led off the seventh inning with her first home run of the season. Natalie Johnson had another strong performance at the plate against Louisville. Johnson was 2-3 with a run scored. Freshman Emily Nichols was 1-3 with two RBI while Summer Downs was 1-3 with a double.
The Hawkeyes will face Missouri (9:00 a.m.) and Ball State (11:00 a.m.) in the final day of competition at the Courtyard by Marriott Red and Black Tournament.