Fifth-Ranked Michigan Tops Iowa, 3-0

April 5, 2008

Box Score

Ann Arbor, MI – The University of Iowa softball team was defeated by No. 5 Michigan Saturday, 3-0, at Alumni Field. The Hawkeyes fall to 23-12 overall and 2-2 in Big Ten play.

Michigan struck first with one run in its first at-bat. Alessandra Giampaolo singled and scored from first on an RBI double by Angela Findlay.

The Wolverines increased their lead to 3-0 in the third with a two-RBI single by Nikki Nemitz. Giampaolo doubled, followed by an intentional walk and a hit batter to load the bases with two outs in the frame. Nemitz then recorded a double to plate two runs.

Michigan threatened in the bottom of the second, but a great defensive play by McGlaughlin at third helped Iowa escape the inning. With runners on first and second with one out, Teddi Ewing ripped a ball to McGlaughlin at third. McGlaughlin made a nice backhanded grab, stepped on third for the force, and then fired a strike to Brown at first for an inning-ending double play.

Iowa was able to collect four hits, but stranded three runners on base.

Amanda Zust took the loss and threw two and two-thirds innings. She allowed two earned runs on five hits while striking out one. Junior Brittany Weil tossed an impressive three and one-thirds innings of relief. She did not allow a hit and struck out one.

“(Jordan) Taylor did a nice job of keeping us off balance today,” Head Coach Gayle Blevins said. “We need to trust the adjustments that are being made from an offensive standpoint. Now our focus is on Penn State and taking two games tomorrow.”

Iowa will travel to Penn State Sunday for a doubleheader starting at 11 a.m. (CDT).