March 11, 2005
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,>The University of Iowa softball team used clutch hitting to pick up two wins during group play at the National Invitational Softball Tournament on Friday. Freshman Emily Nichols was huge in both games, hitting her ninth home run of the season against Connecticut and knocking in the game-winning RBI against UC Davis.
The Hawkeyes defeated Connecticut 5-0 in game one. Iowa took advantage of five UConn errors to secure the win. Nichols went 2-3 with three RBI and a home run to lead the Hawkeyes. Abby Ruff was 2-3 with a run scored.
Lisa Birocci notched her ninth win of the season, throwing a two-hit shutout while striking out five. She was also 1-3 with a run scored at the plate.
Nichols once again was the hero in game two against UC Davis, recording the game-winning RBI in extra innings in the 2-1 victory. She went 1-3 with two RBI and a run scored against UC Davis. The Hawkeyes collected only three hits and drew three walks.
Ali Arnold won the pitching dual, giving up one run on four hits while striking out 10 in the extra inning affair.
Iowa moves to the championship bracket at the National Invitational Softball Tournament on Saturday and are scheduled to face San Diego State at 10 p.m.