IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa softball team fell to Maryland in a Friday doubleheader at Bob Pearl Field. The Terrapins took the first contest, 5-2, and the second, 2-0.
Senior Breanna Vasquez got the start in game one of the afternoon. She went seven innings allowing three earned runs on six hits and striking out six. Juniors Sammy Diaz and Denali Loecker both went 2-for-3 in the game.
Freshman Jalen Adams started game two and went 6.2 innings allowing two runs on five hits.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Game 1
The Terrapins struck first on a squeeze bunt in the top of the second to take an early 1-0 lead. Iowa answered back in the bottom of the inning as sophomore Tristin Doster had an RBI single to tie the game. In the top of the third, the Hawkeyes got two quick outs, but Maryland rallied with two outs to plate two more runs and take a 3-1 lead.
The Terrapins added another run in the fifth to extend their lead to three. Vasquez retired Maryland in order in the sixth with two strikeouts. The Terrapins tacked on their final run in the top of the seventh. Loecker hit a double to the wall and came around to score on a single from Diaz for Iowa’s final run in the bottom of the seventh.
LETS. GO. HAWKS.@Sammydiazz09 singles to left driving in @denaliloecker!
B7 | UMD 5, Iowa 2#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/hMdFs5z4Cp
— Iowa Softball (@iowasoftball) April 14, 2023
Iowa finished the contest with two runs on seven hits.
Game 2
The offense for Iowa was limited in game two being held to two hits. Maryland scored in the fourth inning on an RBI triple and again in the fifth on an RBI single to make it 2-0. In the bottom of the sixth Iowa had its best scoring chance getting two on with no outs, but were unable to cash in.
The Hawkeyes ended the game with two hits and left five runners on base.
Flashing the leather 🤩
We are scoreless through two innings of play!@StreffAnna x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/eOn6NpsPY6
— Iowa Softball (@iowasoftball) April 14, 2023
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH RENEE GILLISPIE
“Both Bre and Jalen threw really well today. We need figure out how to get the clutch hit when we have runners on base. Maryland is a great team. We are ready to come back and compete tomorrow.”
HEAR FROM NIA CARTER
“Today wasn’t our day, but we are ready to bounce back tomorrow. I have been focusing on staying loose and having fun. The coaches are giving us all the tools to be successful.”
NOTABLES
- Carter recorded her 70th hit of the season in game two.
- This was only Iowa’s third time being shutout this season.
UP NEXT
Iowa (26-17, 7-6) returns to action on Saturday for the series finale against Maryland. First pitch at Bob Pearl Field is scheduled for 1 p.m. (CT). The game will be streamed on B1G+ (subscription required) and broadcast live on Hawkeye Radio Network.
