MADISON, Wis. — The University of Iowa softball team fell to Wisconsin (9-0) in five innings on Saturday afternoon at Goodman Softball Complex as the Badgers took the series.
The Hawkeyes used three different arms in the game. Senior Breanna Vasquez (16-8) got the start and was relieved by junior Denali Loecker. Sophomore Emma Henderson entered in the fourth and retired the Badgers in order for the only time in the contest. Iowa’s offense was held to only three hits.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Senior Nia Carter was back in the leadoff spot after six games in the three-spot. She led off the game with a single up the middle, but the next three hitters were retired as the top of the first came to an end. The Badgers took the lead, 4-0, in the bottom of the first plating four runs on four hits and one walk. Loecker entered the game with one out in the inning and got two quick outs to limit the damage.
Wisconsin added another run in the second inning on an RBI double. The Hawkeyes appeared to have gotten out of the inning, but an appeal on a foul tip gave Wisconsin another life and took advantage hitting a two-run home run. The Badgers were able to plate one more in the frame to extend their lead to eight.
The Hawkeyes were able to get runners on the corners with two outs as Klosterman and Roman reached on singles to left field in the third inning. That was it as both runners were left stranded. Wisconsin added another run in the third.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH RENEE GILLISPIE
“Today was a tough game. We need to be able to keep our energy up even after we get behind early. The game isn’t over until the last our is made and we need to be able to keep fighting. I expect us to come out ready to fight tomorrow.”
NOTABLES
- Carter is three hits away from breaking Iowa’s single-season hit record.
- This was Iowa’s sixth time being shutout this season.
UP NEXT
Iowa (30-25, 10-12) returns to action on Sunday for the regular season finale at Wisconsin (26-19, 11-10). First pitch at Goodman Softball Complex is scheduled for 1 p.m. (CT). The game will be streamed on B1G+ (subscription required) and broadcast live on the Hawkeye Radio Network.