March 29, 2005
IOWA CITY – Senior Lisa Birocci was named co-Big Ten Pitcher of the Week for her efforts at the Hawkeye Classic last weekend. This is the second time this season Birocci has been honored by the Big Ten and the fourth time in her career.
Birocci struck out a combined 24 batters last weekend, which moved her into third place on the career strikeout list. With 794 career strikeouts, Birocci passed Terri McFarland who recorded 791 strikeouts from 1989-92. She also hit .400 with a two-run home run at the Hawkeye Classic. Birocci, along with junior Ali Arnold, did not allow a run in four games in the Hawkeye Classic and struck out 43 of the 86 batters they faced.
Birocci needs 16 more strikeouts to move into second place and 22 to become Iowa’s all-time leader. She shares this week’s honor with Michigan pitcher Jennie Ritter.
The Hawkeyes return to action Wednesday when they face Northern Iowa. Game time is set for 3 p.m. in Cedar Falls. Iowa will open Big Ten in Ann Arbor on Friday against top-ranked Michigan at 3 p.m.