LAWRENCE, Kansas – The University of Iowa softball team split two games at the Jayhawk Invitational on Sunday afternoon.
The Hawkeyes were defeated by Missouri State, 4-3, before defeating Kansas, 3-1.
Sophomore Denali Loecker got the start in the first game taking the loss after throwing six innings and striking out five. Loecker was 1-for-3 at the plate with a two-run home run.
Junior Nia Carter, junior Sophia Maras, and sophomore Brylee Klosterman also recorded hits for the Hawkeyes.
Senior Breanna Vasquez got the start in the second game throwing a complete game and striking out 12.
Loecker was 3-for-3 at the plate and Carter was 2-for-4. Klosterman and junior Kalena Burns tallied RBIs for Iowa.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Game 1
Iowa scored first after Maras singled and Loecker hit a two-run blast to left field to put the Hawkeyes ahead. The Bears responded with a run after a single and a double.
The Hawkeyes added a run in the third after Klosterman singled and stole second base. Carter then singled through the right side to score Klosterman.
A solo home run for Missouri State in the fourth made the score, 3-2. The Bears tied the game in the sixth after a pair of walks and a single and an error.
Missouri State walked the game off in the seventh after a double, a wild pitch, and a single.
Game 2
Iowa scored the first run of the game in the fourth inning as sophomore Grace Banes walked and sophomore Amber DeSena moved her to third with a single. Banes drew a pickoff attempt and scored after a wild rundown sequence.
The Hawkeyes added two runs in the fifth. Carter legged out a bunt single to lead off the inning. Loecker singled and Klosterman singled over the shortstop to score Carter from second. Burns reached on a fielder’s choice notching the RBI.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH RENEE GILLISPIE
“We had a tough loss in the first game, but I am proud of how they bounced back. Denali had a great showing in the second game at the plate. The first game we struggled with clutch hits again. We have been dealing with that all season long. I thought Denali had a really good outing in that game. It was good to see us step up with nine hits in the second game. Bre had a great outing on the mound with 12 strikeouts, one shy of her career high. I like how they bounced back in the second game. We look forward to Wichita State tomorrow.”
NOTABLES
- The Hawkeyes are 12-6 on the season.
- Vasquez moved to 5-3 in the circle and Loecker moved to 7-2.
- Loecker’s home run was her fourth of the season.
UP NEXT
Iowa returns to action Monday at 11 a.m. (CT) against Wichita State.