IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa softball team defeated Drake University, 3-2, at Bob Pearl Field Wednesday evening.
Sophomore Denali Loecker got the start against the Bulldogs and went five innings with four strikeouts. Senior Breanna Vasquez came in and pitched two innings in relief to earn the win.
Loecker had a home run, junior Nia Carter put up two hits and one RBI while sophomore Tristin Doster tallied one hit and an RBI.
“We have been working on being patient and I believe that was the key today,” said Loecker. “The ball felt pretty good coming off the bat. I knew I contacted it pretty hard.”
HOW IT HAPPENED
Iowa started the game scoring one run in the first inning. Sophomore Brylee Klosterman was hit by a pitch and moved over to second on a sacrifice by Carter. Klosterman scored on a double to left center by Doster.
Drake (9-20, 3-5) plated two runs in the second inning. Both teams followed up by going scoreless in the third and fourth.
The Hawkeyes came back to score a run in the fifth to tie things up. Junior Sophia Maras doubled to left center and moved to third on a Klosterman groundout. Maras and Carter traded places as Carter hit a triple to bring Maras home.
With the score tied in the sixth, Loecker hit a home run out to left to secure the win for Iowa.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH RENEE GILLISPIE
“Denali did a great job of being able to come in and go all five innings for us, and Bre closing. I really like that combination and they did a great job today.
Nia had two good hits today and a double. She was able to get things started for us. Sophie, who has been struggling lately, got a timely hit, which was huge. Denali’s home run is what we wanted to see, and she came up big for us. We’re excited about the production we’re getting with these players. With Minnesota coming this weekend we have to build on what we have right now.”
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes host Minnesota (16-14-1, 3-3) for a three-game series at Bob Pearl Field. Friday’s game is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. and is the Go Green for Mental Health Game. Saturday’s contest will start at 2 p.m. and is the Black & Gold Spirit Game. Sunday’s series finale begins at noon and is the Strikeout Cancer Pink Game.