Feb. 20, 2009
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KENNESAW, GA – The University of Iowa softball team wrapped up its first day of action at the K-Club Classic by defeating Memphis, 8-0 in five innings Friday night. Iowa scored at least one run in four of the five innings for its ninth win of the season.
Iowa scored two runs in the bottom of the first to take an early lead. Senior Erin Riemersma singled to start the inning and moved to second when junior Taylor Leichsenring drew a walk. Senior Colleen McGlaughlin then drove a ball over the centerfielder’s head, plating both runners.
The Hawkeyes added another run in the second for a 3-0 advantage. Senior Sam Heinzman tallied a two-out triple down the right field line and scored on an RBI double by Riemersma.
Iowa added four more runs off two hits in the third to take a commanding 7-0 lead. Junior Katie Brown started the rally with a walk and senior Rachel West took her place at first. West then stole second and hustled to third on a single by McGlaughlin. After senior Callie Adreon entered as a pinch-runner for McGlaughlin, sophomore Jenny Schuelke drew a walk to load the bases. Freshman Katie Keim drove in the first run of the frame with a groundout to the second baseman, which plated West. Freshman Liz Watkins took care of the rest, smashing a three-run home run that clipped the scoreboard in left-center field.
Iowa ended things in the bottom of the fifth. Schuelke was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning and moved to second on a sharp single by Keim. Both runners moved up a base off a Watkins sacrifice bunt. Heinzman then slapped a ball to second, but Schuelke beat the throw home, sliding in safely for the win.
Senior Brittany Weil tossed a gem for the Hawkeyes. Weil threw her sixth complete game and fourth shutout of the season while striking out nine. The Garden Grove, CA, native only allowed one hit, which was to the first batter of the game, then retired the next 15 batters in a row.
Riemersma and McGlaughlin led Iowa offensively in the win. Riemersma was a perfect 3-for-3 while McGlaughlin went 2-for-3.
The Hawkeyes will face Miami (OH) Saturday at 1 p.m. (CT) in the K-Club Classic.