March 18, 2008
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DeLand, FL – The University of Iowa softball team was defeated by Stetson, 6-5, in the nightcap of Tuesday’s doubleheader. The game saw four lead changes and three home runs.
Senior Emily Nichols gave Iowa a 2-0 lead in the first inning for the second time in as many games with a two-run home run. Nichols smacked a fly ball that stayed just fair as it sailed over the left field fence to score junior Rachel West, who reached on an infield single and then stole second.
Stetson tied the game in its half of the first with a two-out, two-RBI double by Amanda Bailey.
The Hawkeyes regained a 3-2 lead in the third. Freshman Chelsey Carmody doubled to left field and moved to third on an infield single by West. She then scored on an RBI groundout to second base by Nichols.
The lead was short-lived, as Stetson’s Andrea Migliori and Amanda Lindsey hit back-to-back solo home runs in the bottom of the third inning to take a 4-3 lead.
Iowa responded with two runs in the top of the fourth for a 5-4 advantage. Junior Erin Riemersma doubled to start the inning and moved to third on a pinch-hit single by freshman Jenny Schuelke. Sophomore Taylor Leichsenring re-entered at first base and a perfectly-executed double steal allowed Riemersma to score the tying run. Carmody followed with a single to left field that was mishandled, and a hustling Leichsenring crossed home to take the lead.
Stetson took a 6-5 lead in the bottom of the sixth without recording a hit in the inning. Andrea Migliori drew a two-out, bases loaded walk to tie the game and Jessica Lokeinsky was hit by a pitch to give the Hatters a one-run advantage.
The Hawkeyes threatened in their last at-bat, but couldn’t plate the tying run. West started the inning with a walk and junior Colleen McGlaughlin reached first when the Stetson catcher dropped a sacrifice bunt attempt. The next two Iowa batters struck out and a pop fly ended the game.
Nichols finished 1-for-4 with three RBI while Carmody and West collected two hits.
Iowa will travel to Gainesville, FL, Wednesday for a matchup against third-ranked Florida. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. (CDT).