Hawkeyes Fall to Butler, 4-2

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – The University of Iowa softball team was defeated by Butler, 4-2, on Saturday afternoon at the Blues City Classic.

Sophomore Denali Loecker got the start in the circle throwing a complete game and allowing three runs (one earned). Loecker falls to 7-1 on the mound this season.

Sophomore Amber DeSena was 2-for-3 with a double. Sophomore Brylee Klosterman drew two walks, was hit by a pitch, and stole two bases.

HOW IT HAPPENED 

Butler used a three-run third inning to take an early lead. Back-to-back singles and an error scored the game’s first two runs, and a third run crossed following a second Hawkeye error. The Bulldogs used a solo home run in the fourth inning to push their lead to four.

The Hawkeyes got on the board in the fifth inning after DeSena singled and Klosterman was hit by a pitch. Klosterman stole second and advanced to third when Butler tried unsuccessfully to cut DeSena down at the plate.

Iowa added a run in the sixth inning after sophomore Grace Banes doubled off the left field wall. Loecker flied out to move Banes to third. Banes then scored on a wild pitch.

The Hawkeyes loaded the bases in the top of the seventh, but the Bulldogs shut the door on the comeback.

NOTABLES

• Iowa moves to 11-5 on the season.
• Iowa finishes the weekend with a 2-1 record.
• DeSena finished the weekend batting 4-for-7 with two doubles.

UP NEXT 

The Hawkeyes head to the Jayhawk Invitational in Lawrence, Kansas, March 11-13.