March 17, 2006
Sacramento, CA – The University of Iowa softball team was defeated by Long Island, 7-1 Saturday at the Capital Classic. The Hawkeyes were only able to plate one run on five hits while Long Island scored seven runs on 10 hits.
Iowa’s first game against Jacksonville was cancelled due to heavy rain that hit the Sacramento area late Thursday and early Friday. The tournament schedule was revised and the Hawkeyes did not take the field against Long Island until 6:30 p.m., which was an hour and a half later than the original 5 p.m. scheduled start.
Long Island posted two runs in the both the second and fourth inning to gain a 4-0 advantage. The Blackbirds added a three-run sixth inning for a 7-0 lead before the Hawkeyes scored a run in their half of the sixth. Junior Mindy Heidgerken led off the inning with a single followed by an Emily Nichols double. On the play, however, Heidgerken was thrown out at home. Nichols scored Iowa’s lone run on a sacrifice fly by freshman Quinn Morelock.
Nichols paced the Hawkeye offense with two hits. Freshman Brittany Weil fell to 8-5 with the loss. She threw six innings and allowed five runs on five hits while striking out three. Senior Ali Arnold threw one inning of relief and allowed two runs on two hits.
The Hawkeyes continue action at the Capital Classic with a doubleheader (weather permitting) Saturday. Iowa will face Nevada at 12 p.m. and California at 5 p.m.