Iowa Knocks Off No. 23 Oklahoma State, 5-3

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March 3, 2012

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OKLAHOMA CITY —The University of Iowa softball team knocked off No. 23 Oklahoma State, 5-3, at The Preview college softball showcase at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium. The win was the Hawkeyes’ first over a ranked opponent in four tries this season.

“Oklahoma State got up early, but we didn’t let that bother us whatsoever,” said UI head coach Marla Looper. “We were able to tie it up and get the lead. We were much more in control throughout the game, and that’s how you finish the ball game.”

After falling behind 3-1 in the second inning, Iowa plated three runs in the bottom of the third to take a lead it wouldn’t relinquish. Seniors Katie Keim and Liz Watkins had back-to-back two-out doubles to plate the first run before sophomore Brianna Luna hit a two-run long ball over the left field fence to make the score 4-3.

The home run was Luna’s second of the season and second in as many days.

“It’s nice when a kid can get zeroed in and feel comfortable and confident,” said Looper of Luna. “When they’re on they’re on and you try not to mess with them too much.”

Iowa added an insurance run in the sixth frame. Watkins drew a lead-off walk before pinch runner Nikki Gentile stole second to move into scoring position. Junior Bradi Wall plated the team’s fifth run with an RBI double off the base of the left field wall.

The Hawkeyes jumped out to a 1-0 lead in their first at-bat. Junior Johnnie Dowling singled to lead off the game before freshman Megan Blank followed with a one-out single to put two on. Keim drove in Dowling with a sacrifice fly to centerfield. ` The Cowgirls plated three runs in their second at-bat to take the 3-1 advantage. OSU sent eight batters to the plate, and Tarah Ettinger, Ari Morrison and Kelsey Anchors tallied RBIs in the inning.

Junior Chelsea Lyon posted her fifth victory of the season, allowing three runs on four hits in the complete game. The Broken Arrow, Okla., native had four strikeouts to eight walks in the contest.

Six different Hawkeyes had one hit. Luna led the way, going 1-for-3 with two RBI.

Iowa (9-7) returns to action at 6:30 p.m., facing No. 8/9 Oklahoma.

Iowa 5, #23 Oklahoma St. 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
#23 OSU (7-9) 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 0
Iowa (9-7) 1 0 3 0 0 1 X 5 6 0
Game Decision
W: Chelsea Lyon (IOWA) 5-3
L: Simone Freeman (OSU) 3-4