March 11, 2011
- 2011 Iowa Softball Media Guide
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- Iowa and the Big Ten Network
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
DeLand, Fla. — The University of Iowa softball team loaded the bases and notched a run in the seventh inning, but it couldn’t complete the comeback in falling 3-1 to Liberty in its opener at the Stetson Classic.
Senior Jenny Schuelke started the Hawkeye rally in the seventh inning, reaching on an error with two outs. Freshmen Michelle Zoeller and Nikki Gentile followed with singles to load the bases before Jordan Goschie knocked in the first Iowa run with a sacrifice fly to centerfield. Freshman Brianna Luna was then summoned to the plate as a pinch hitter, where she popped out to the shortstop to end the game.
The Flames struck first in the game, plating a pair of runs in the fourth inning courtesy of a Kelly Strickland two-run home run to centerfield. Liberty then added an insurance run in the sixth inning to stretch its advantage to 3-0.
Sophomore Chelsea Lyon took the loss, allowing three runs on five hits. She is now 3-7 on the season.
Krista Johnson pitched a complete game for the Flames, scattering four hits and striking out seven Hawkeye batters.
Four different Iowa players tallied hits in the game, including a fourth inning single by Chelsey Carmody that extended her hitting streak to 18 games.
Iowa (8-10) returns to action later this evening against tournament host Stetson at 5:30 p.m. (CT).
| Liberty 3, Iowa 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
| Iowa (8-10) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
| Liberty (6-3) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | X | 3 | 5 | 2 |
| Game Decision | ||||||||||
| W: Katrina Johnson (LU) 2-2 | ||||||||||
| L: Chelsea Lyon (UI) 3-7 | ||||||||||