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HONOLULU, HI — The University of Iowa softball team (12-2) defeated Kansas City, 4-2, on a pair of two-run homeruns from freshman Kalena Burns and senior DoniRae Mayhew in the sixth and seventh innings. The Hawkeyes won the Hawai’i Invitational with a perfect 5-0 record.
Senior Allison Doocy (5-1) got the win out of the bullpen for Iowa. The right-hander went 1.2 shutout innings without giving up a hit, one walk and striking out four. Junior Lauren Shaw started the ballgame and went 5.1 innings, surrendering two runs, both earned, on six hits, walking one and striking out two.
Offensively, the Hawkeyes were led by freshman Nia Carter, putting together three hits in three trips to the plate. Kalena Burns, who went 2-for-3 on the day with a double, a homerun and two RBIs, also powered Iowa’s offense. Senior DoniRae Mayhew compiled a standout effort as well, going 1-for-1 with a two-run homer in the seventh.
HEAR FROM COACH GILLISPIE
“We had excellent pitching on the mound today by Lauren Shaw and Allison Doocy. Having pitched four games this weekend coming into today, both brought their best effort knowing their defense has their backs. It was exciting to see Nia Carter go 3-for-3 at the plate. She was always finding a way to get on. Kalena Burns and DoniRae Mayhew came up with big hits. Both came to the plate in big situations and had clutch home runs. Winning five games this weekend was an overall team effort. We’re looking forward to relaxing on the way home.”
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hawkeyes got on the scoreboard first, starting in the sixth inning. Kit Rocco singled to right with two outs. Iowa plated two runs when Burns left the yard — her third of the season — with sophomore Morgan Lewis aboard (pinch running for Rocco).
After the Kangaroos rallied to tie the ballgame at two, the Hawkeyes came back to re-take the lead in the seventh inning. Claypool reached first on a fielding error with one out. Mayhew then stepped in to pinch hit, homering to left field, giving Iowa a 4-2 lead. Iowa’s defense was strong and held off KC for the team’s fifth win of the weekend.
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
» N. Carter picked up three base hits in the game for Iowa.
» The Hawkeyes power output was led by Burns, who had two extra base hits in the ballgame (double and home run).
» The Hawkeyes out-hit the Kangaroos at an 8-6 clip.
» Iowa pitchers faced 28 KC hitters in the game, allowing six ground balls and eight fly balls while striking out six.
» Burns went 2-for-3 at bat with a double, a home run and two RBIs.
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes are back in action on Feb. 28, when they will take on Miami (Ohio) and FGCU at The Spring Games in Madeira Beach, Fla., at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. (CT).
FOLLOW THE HAWKEYES
Stay up-to-date on all the happenings with the Iowa softball program on social media via Twitter (@Iowasoftball), Instagram/iowasoftball, and Facebook/iowahawkeyessoftball.
