LEESBURG, Florida – The University of Iowa softball team split is two games on the first day of The Spring Games at the Sleepy Hollow Softball Complex. The Hawkeyes defeated North Florida, 3-1, in the opener before falling to Notre Dame, 2-0.
Sophomore Denali Loecker moved to 4-0 on the season after throwing a complete game in the circle against the Ospreys.
Junior Sophia Maras was 2-for-3 with two RBIs for the Hawkeyes. Loecker was 2-for-4 at the dish.
Senior Breanna Vasquez got the start in the second game and moved to 3-3 after the loss. Sophomore Sammy Diaz was 2-for-3 with a double for Iowa.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Game 1
The Hawkeyes tallied two runs in the top of the second inning. Loecker singled to lead things off. Sophomore Amber DeSena reached on a fielder’s choice and Loecker moved to second on a throwing error. Maras singled and scored both runners notching the first two runs of the game.
Iowa added a run in the third after Maras doubled and junior Nia Carter drove her home.
North Florida scored their only run in the seventh after a pair of singles.
Game 2
Notre Dame broke through the defensive battle in the fourth inning with a two-run home run.
The Hawkeyes got the tying run to second with two outs in the top of the seventh after Loecker walked and Diaz doubled but Iowa was unable to mount the comeback.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH RENEE GILLISPIE
“The pitching really came alive tonight. We had two really good outings from Denali and Bre. It was good to see us compete and be right there with a team that is receiving votes in the polls. Really good showing from Sammy, she stepped up when she got the opportunity.”
NOTABLES
- The Hawkeyes are 7-4 on the season.
- The complete game was Loecker’s second of the season.
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes return to action at 10 a.m. (CT) tomorrow against Princeton.