March 31, 2007
Bloomington, IN – Junior Emily Nichols shattered Iowa’s career home run record in a 9-0, six-inning win over Indiana Saturday. Nichols belted a two-run home run to center field in the sixth inning, which gives her 30 career home runs.
Nichols ended the game in the sixth inning with her record-setting home run. She passed former Hawkeye Alicia Gerlach, who hit 29 home runs from 1999-02. The long ball plated sophomore Lindsey Emery, who recorded a pinch-hit single earlier in the inning.
Iowa, who was the home team, took a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Sophomore Erin Riemersma started the inning with a single followed by an infield single by freshman Taylor Leichsenring. Junior Emily Nichols drove in the first run of the contest with an RBI double to score Riemersma.
Junior Summer Downs gave Iowa a 4-0 lead with a line-drive home run off the Indiana scoreboard in left field. Downs’ third home run of the season scored Leichsenring, who reached on a fielder’s choice, and sophomore Colleen McGlaughlin, who drew a two-out walk.
Sophomore Rachel West gave Iowa a 5-0 advantage in the bottom of the fifth. McGlaughlin singled and sophomore Callie Adreon entered as a pinch-runner. Downs followed with a double and senior Jenna Spratt took Downs’ place at second. West then hit an RBI single to score Adreon from third.
Sophomore Quinn Morelock increased Iowa’s lead to 7-0 later in the sixth inning with a two-RBI single that scored Spratt and West.
Sophomore pitcher Brittany Weil turned in another impressive performance, going the distance while striking out four and walking zero.
The Hawkeyes travel to West Lafayette, IN, Sunday for a doubleheader with Purdue. Game one is set for 11 a.m. Fans can listen to game one AM 800 KXIC and game two on hawkeyesports.com