March 13, 2005
SUNNYVALE, CA – – The University of Iowa softball team defeated Colorado State, 5-1 today to capture third place in the National Invitational Softball Tournament, hosted by San Jose State University.
The Hawkeyes scored their first two runs in the bottom of the third. Colorado State retired the first two batters, before Summer Downs started the two-out rally with a walk. Stacy May followed with a double and advanced to third on a throwing error by the centerfielder, which also plated Downs. Emily Nichols then singled to score May.
Iowa added its final three runs in the bottom of the third. May started the inning with a walk, followed by a Nichols single. Kylie Murray then singled to score May. Three batters later, Mindy Heidgerken doubled to plate both Nichols and Natalie Johnson. Colorado State scored an unearned run in the top of seventh.
Iowa pitcher Lisa Birocci picked up her 11th victory and complete game of the season, fanning 11 and scattering four hits over seven innings.
Arizona State defeated second-ranked California, 1-0 in the championship game. The Hawkeyes defeated the Sun Devils earlier in the year, 2-0.
The Hawkeyes return to action Wednesday with a pair of games. Iowa will play Rhode Island at 12:30 p.m., followed by Pacific at 2:30 p.m. in the Pacific Mini Tournament. Both times listed are central.