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IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa softball team defeated South Dakota State, 2-0, on Saturday afternoon in game two of the Hawkeye Invitational at Pearl Field.
“It feels great to get another win, and I think we won these two games because we are back home,” said UI head coach Marla Looper. “We are finally able to get in front of our own crowd and sleep in our own beds. It’s a great start to the rest of the season.
“We are doing the little things, like taking care of the ball defensively and finding the right zone in the circle. Offensively, we attacked, we executed signals, and we were able to manufacture runs. When we do that, it’s a recipe for success, and we did those things tonight.”
Claire Fritsch was a perfect 2-for-2 with a double and an RBI, while Havyn Monteer and Angela Schmiederer were 1-for-3 and each scored a run. Lea Thompson and Brooke Rozier also chipped in hits. Shayla Starkenburg earned the win, throwing two strikeouts in 7.0 innings pitched.
After a scoreless first inning where Starkenburg worked out of a jam, Iowa took the lead in the bottom of the second. Schmiederer singled through the right side, advanced to second on a Monteer single, and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Cheyenne Pratt before scoring on an RBI single by Fritsch. Monteer then added a run on an RBI single from Thompson.
The Hawkeyes (4-16) face Creighton at 11 a.m. on Sunday in game three of the Hawkeye Invitational. Following the matchup with the Bluejays, Iowa takes on South Dakota State again.
“I encourage Hawkeye fans to come out and support these young ladies tomorrow,” said Looper. “They are working hard and representing the University of Iowa and this community. The weather is going to be beautiful and the field crew has our field looking beautiful as well. Come cheer us on.”