LEESBURG, Florida – The University of Iowa softball team defeated Princeton, 4-2, in the Spring Games at the Sleepy Hollow Softball Complex.
Juniors Nia Carter and Sophia Maras each recorded two hits in the contest. Sophomore Grace Banes notched two RBIs.
“I had been struggling the past few at bats,” said Banes. “I came up with a new approach, really having the RBI mindset before my at bat. It was huge to see the team rally with two outs. Getting those runs in and getting a bigger lead.”
Senior Breanna Vasquez got the start in the circle throwing 4.2 innings of one run ball. Sophomore Denali Loecker threw 2.1 innings of relief earning the win for the Hawkeyes.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hawkeyes struck first in the third inning. Maras hit an infield single and then stole second base. Sophomore Brylee Klosterman moved her over to third with a groundout, and Maras scored on a wild pitch.
Princeton tied the game in the top of the fourth stringing together a single, a double, and a single.
With two outs in the fifth inning. Maras singled and stole second, Klosterman walked, and Carter singled scoring Maras. Banes then singled and scored both runners
The Tigers scored another run in the sixth after a single, a wild pitch, and a pair of ground outs.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH RENEE GILLISPIE
“Another good outing for our duo of Bre and Denali. We had a good fifth inning being able to rally with two outs and take the lead. Both Nia and Sophia performed well at the plate. We still need to work on consistency but a solid showing today, we will look to finish strong tomorrow.”
NOTABLES
- The Hawkeyes are 8-4 on the season.
- Loecker moves to 5-0 in the circle.
- The win was Gillispie’s 899th win, putting her one win away from 900.
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes return to action at 8 a.m. (CT) tomorrow against Cornell.