LINCOLN, Nebraska — The University of Iowa softball team fell to Nebraska in both games of its doubleheader on Tuesday. The Huskers took the first contest on a gusty afternoon at Bowlin Stadium, 14-1, in five innings and the second, 8-3, in five innings after the game was called early due to weather.
Senior Breanna Vasquez started in the circle for the first game, throwing the first two innings. Sophomore Denali Loecker then came in to throw two thirds of an inning, before handing it off to freshman Katherine Serna. Freshman Emma Henderson came in to finish things out in the fifth.
Junior Nia Carter had one hit, and junior Kalena Burns clubbed a home run, her fourth of the season.
Henderson was first in the circle for Game 2 and went for 1.1 innings. Sophomore Devyn Greer relieved Henderson for 1.2 innings, followed by Vasquez pitching the final two.
Freshman infielder Maggie Vasa notched her first career hit and home run, a solo shot to centerfield. Sophomore outfielder Brylee Klosterman had two hits and one run while sophomore infielder Amber DeSena registered a hit and a run.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Game 1
Nebraska scored three runs in the first inning on four hits. The Huskers added 11 runs on nine hits in the third, including a grand slam.
Iowa’s lone run came from Burns’ solo home run off the scoreboard in the fourth.
Game 2
Iowa opened the scoring in the first inning as Klosterman singled and then advanced all the way to third after two wild pitches and scored on a Burns sacrifice fly.
The Huskers answered, plating two runs in their half of the first on three hits and two errors.
In the second inning, Iowa tied the game after DeSena doubled and sophomore Marissa Peek singled scoring her and advancing to second on the throw.
Nebraska (30-9, 10-0) hit a two-run home run to retake the lead and then added an additional two runs in the third inning.
Vasa hit her first career home run in the fourth inning.
The Huskers, who won their 15th consecutive game, scored a pair of runs in the bottom half to increase their advantage to 8-3.
Iowa (18-20, 1-10) rallied and scored three runs to cut the lead to 8-6 before the game was called due to inclement weather.
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes will host Ohio State in a three-game series Friday through Sunday at Pearl Field. Friday’s contest is scheduled to start at 5 p.m., while Saturday’s game will begin at 2 p.m. and is a “Gold Out.” First pitch for Sunday’s series finale is set for noon. All times are Central.