May 20, 2005
Lincoln, NE – The University of Iowa softball team was defeated by the Nebraska Cornhuskers, 4-0 in first round action of the NCAA Regional Tournament. The Hawkeyes managed only three hits off Nebraska pitcher Ashley DeBuhr, who struck out a career-high 17 batters.
The Cornhuskers collected seven hits and scored one run in the second to gain an early lead. Nebraska put the game away in the fifth, scoring three runs on two hits and a passed ball. Lisa Birocci was relieved by Ali Arnold in the fifth, who helped the Hawkeyes escape the inning.
Birocci took the loss, throwing just over four innings and allowed four runs on six hits and struck out four. Two of Birocci’s four runs were earned. Arnold threw two and 1/3 innings and struck out four.
Stacy May collected two of Iowa’s three hits to lead the Hawkeye offense. Summer Downs recorded Iowa’s only other hit.
“Obviously she (DeBuhr) pitched a great game,” Iowa Head Coach Gayle Blevins said. “I’m really disappointed in our ability to make adjustments. The big difference was our lack of offense because it allowed them to get into an attacking mode. You can’t give your opponent that opportunity.”
The Hawkeyes will face Creighton in an elimination game 4 p.m. Saturday. Live updates will be available on AM-800 KXIC. Live stats can be found at www.ncaasports.com.