March 13, 2013
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa softball team took a break from softball during its Tuesday night practice, completing its version of the ‘Amazing Race.’
“It was a lot of fun,” said senior Johnnie Dowling. “There was a lot of anticipation. The coaches said we were going to do the `Amazing Race.’ We were split up into teams and had to complete a number of stations.”
“We are a very competitive team,” said senior Bradi Wall. “You put a competition in front of us, and put teams against each other, we are going to do our best in every challenge we face.”
“My favorite station was the water station,” said Dowling. `You had to carry two cups of water and fill your team’s bucket. My team knew the trick: hiding water in your mouth.”
The team has been on the go of late. The Hawkeyes (17-6) will play their first 28 games away from Iowa City before making their Pearl Field debut March 22 against Big Ten rival Minnesota.
Iowa will rack up the frequent flier miles, as it will log nearly 12,000 miles (11,811) with trips to Houston, Texas; Denton, Texas; Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Fullerton, Calif.; College Park, Md.; Louisville, Ky.; and Lexington, Ky.
For the Hawkeyes, it provided a nice little break from softball and a great team-building opportunity.
“It was definitely a nice little break,” said Dowling. “It still kept our focus on teamwork and competitiveness, while giving us a break from what we do every day — playing softball.”
“We wanted to have a little fun,” said UI head coach Marla Looper. “Not just throw a ball, run the bases… lets have some fun. We added some strategy to see who would come out the champion.”
The trio of junior Kayla Massey, sophomore Tor Hawley and freshman Whitney Repole claimed the title.
Iowa continues action Sunday and Monday in Louisville, Ky. The Hawkeyes will play No. 24 North Carolina (11:30 a.m. CT) and Ball State (2 p.m.) on Sunday to open play. Iowa continues action on Monday facing Ball State a second time (10 a.m.), and No. 11 Louisville (12:30 p.m.).
The Hawkeyes then travel to Lexington, Ky., to face No. 17 Kentucky on March 20 at 3:30 p.m. Iowa opens its home slate and Big Ten schedule March 22-24 against Minnesota.