April 12, 2006
Macomb, IL – The University of Iowa softball team (26-14) defeated Western Illinois, 5-2 Wednesday. The Hawkeyes used seven hits and three Westerwind errors for the win.
Western Illinois took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first off an RBI single by Meghan Strazar. Leadoff hitter Lindsey Hession reached on a slap-hit single and scored the first run of the contest.
Iowa used a three-run third inning to take a 3-1 lead. Junior Emily Gerlick started the inning with a double to center field and took third base on a Stephanie Ackerson sacrifice bunt. Senior Brandi Sargent followed with an RBI single to score Gerlick for the first run of the frame. Senior Stacy May then hit a ball to third base and pinch-runner Rachel West scored off a throwing error by the Western Illinois third baseman. Junior Mindy Heidgerken knocked in Iowa’s third run of the inning with a single to center field.
After Western Illinois plated a run in the fourth inning, Iowa scored two more in the top of the sixth off a two-RBI single by sophomore Summer Downs that scored junior Sami Baugh and freshman Erin Riemersma.
Heidgerken paced the Hawkeye offense, going 2-4 with an RBI. Heidgerken also made a nice play in center field to throw out a Westerwind runner at the plate.
Senior Ali Arnold improved her record to 9-6 with the win, throwing four innings and striking out four. Freshman Brittany Weil threw three innings of relief and struck out three.
The Hawkeyes return to action Friday when they host defending NCAA champion Michigan. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.