IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa softball team defeated St. Thomas University, 13-10, on Sunday at Pearl Field in a 10-inning exhibition. The Hawkeyes pitched by committee again, with a new arm in the circle for innings one through nine.
Fifth-year pitcher Breanna Vasquez got the start in the circle for the Hawkeyes. The Tommies got the early lead plating two in the top of first. Iowa answered back, scoring two on an RBI double from freshman Anna Streff and sacrifice fly from junior Denali Loecker.
The Iowa arms of Emma Henderson and Jalen Adams were able to shut down the St. Thomas offense in the second and third innings. St. Thomas was able to plate three in the top of the fourth. In the fifth inning, sophomore Katherine Serna set the Tommies down in order. In the bottom of the inning, the Hawkeyes took the lead with four runs on four hits and one error to make the score 6-5.
Freshman Kelsey Winters came into the game in the sixth and was able to keep St. Thomas off the board. The Tommies were able to take the lead, 7-6, in the away side of the seventh. Once again the Iowa bats responded with four runs of their own with a two RBI double from Streff and an RBI single from junior Grace Banes.
In the eighth inning, both teams plated three runs to make the score 13-10 in favor of the Hawkeyes. Loecker came into the circle for Iowa for the ninth and tenth and was able to close out the game.
The Hawkeyes finished the game with 13 runs on 16 hits and zero errors.
The Hawkeyes return to action next Sunday, October 2 as they will host Iowa Wesleyan at Bob Pearl Field. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT. Admission is free.