OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – University of Iowa softball split its games on day two at the Hall of Fame Classic. The Hawkeyes defeated Sam Houston State, 11-4, and lost to Indiana, 8-4, at OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium.
Freshman Devyn Greer got the start in the circle for the Hawkeyes. She struck out four on her way to the victory. Senior Breanna Vasquez and sophomore Denali Loecker combined for 4 innings of relief.
Sophomore Brylee Klosterman went 2-for-3 at the plate with an RBI for the Hawkeyes. Junior Nia Carter and freshman Tristin Doster both tallied two RBIs for Iowa.
“I just wanted to do whatever I could to get on for the team in the leadoff position,” said Klosterman. “I wanted to put myself in a position where the hitters behind me could make something happen. It’s super fun when everyone is on and scoring. We have a lot of trust up and down the lineup. When everyone is working together, that is what creates these wins for us.”
Loecker got the start in the circle in the second game throwing 5.1 innings. Greer and Vasquez threw 1.2 innings of relief and Vasquez was tagged with the loss.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Game 1
The Hawkeyes opened the game scoring two runs. Klosterman led off with a single to right field. Carter drew a walk and advanced to second. Loecker reached on an error by the shortstop to load the bases and Doster hit a two RBI single.
The Bearkats scored a run in their half of the first after a walk and a double.
Iowa scored three runs in the second inning. Sophomore Marissa Peek drew a walk and freshman Riley Moss came in to run for her and promptly stole second base. Sophomore Sammy Diaz singled to the pitcher and Moss scored after an error. Klosterman reached on a fielder’s choice, plating another run for the Hawkeyes. Loecker singled to left field scoring a third run for Iowa.
Sam Houston State scored a run in the third inning on a solo home run. The Bearkats added two runs in the fifth inning.
The Hawkeyes had a three-run sixth inning. Sophomore Amber DeSena doubled to left center and sophomore Marissa Peek singled, scoring her. Peek stole second and Diaz walked. Klosterman moved them over with a sacrifice bunt and Carter singled scoring both runners.
Iowa added three insurance runs in the seventh inning after junior Kalena Burns walked, sophomore Grace Banes doubled, and senior Riley Sheehy reached on an error and ended up scoring on the play.
Game 2
Iowa scored the first run of the game in the second inning after Banes singled and Peek doubled to right field.
Indiana tied the game in the fourth inning with a single and a double. The Hoosiers took a lead in the sixth inning with a home run.
The Hawkeyes answered back in the sixth inning after Loecker tripled and Doster homered.
Indiana used a six-run seventh inning to regain the lead. Peek hit a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh, but the Hawkeyes were unable to mount a comeback.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH RENEE GILLISPIE
“We had a real solid first game and had a chance to win that second game. Just needed to get three outs. The first game we had the clutch hitting we needed, it was nice to see the offense come together and have a big game like that. We need to regroup and prepare for a tough opponent tomorrow.”
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes face defending national champion No. 1 Oklahoma on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. CT.