April 3, 2005
Evanston, IL – The University of Iowa softball team was swept by Northwestern on Sunday in a doubleheader at Drysdale Field. The Hawkeyes fell in game one, 11-1 in five innings and 2-0 in game two.
The Wildcat bats pounded out nine hits in game one, three of which were home runs. Northwestern scored two runs in the bottom of the first to gain an early lead.
After two Lisa Birocci walks in the bottom of the second, Ali Arnold came in relief and surrendered a three-run home run to the first batter she faced. The Wildcats added four runs in the second to make the lead 6-0.
Steph Ackerson relieved Arnold in the third inning and gave up back-to-back home runs, one of which was a grand slam. Iowa would add one run in the top of the fourth when Kylie Murray knocked in Emily Nichols. Nichols led the Hawkeyes offensively, collecting two hits. Birocci threw just over one inning and took the loss for Iowa.
Northwestern out hit the Hawkeyes 9-1 in game two. After a scoreless first inning, the Wildcats added a run in the top of the second when Kelly Odell scored on a wild pitch. Northwestern scored again in the top of the fourth when Odell hit an RBI single to center field. Abby Ruff recorded Iowa’s lone hit of the contest.
Birocci went the distance for the Hawkeyes, giving up two runs on nine hits while striking out six. Her record now stands at 17-7.
The Hawkeyes will travel to DeKalb, IL on Wednesday to face Northern Illinois. Game time is set for 4 p.m.