JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The University of Iowa softball team fell to Harvard and North Florida in a doubleheader on Sunday on the final day of the UNF-Jacksonville Invitational. The Crimson took down the Hawkeyes, 8-2, in game one before falling to the Ospreys, 6-1, in game two.
Senior Grace Banes went 3-for-5 on the day with three walks. Freshman Devin Bowman picked up her team-leading seventh RBI in game one of the afternoon.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Game 1
Freshman Jaylee Ojo got the start in the circle for Iowa and retired the Crimson hitters in order in the opening frame.
The Hawkeyes struck first in the top of the third as Bowman blasted a triple to right field scoring freshman Soo-Jin Berry to give Iowa the, 1-0, lead. Senior Brylee Klosterman followed that up with a productive out to score Bowman. Iowa was able to load the bases to force a Harvard pitching change but left them stranded as the top of the inning came to a close.
The Crimson responded in the bottom of the inning with a 2-run homer to tie the game. Freshman Andrea Jaskowiak took over in the circle with the bases loaded. Harvard was able to tack on two more runs in the inning to take the lead, 4-2.
Harvard kept the momentum going adding two more runs in the fourth as Iowa made another pitching change. Junior Haley Downe entered in relief and got the final out of the inning with Harvard leading, 6-2. The Crimson extended their lead in the sixth after a Hawkeye error led to two more runs, 8-2.
The Hawkeyes finished the game with two runs on five hits and had one error.
Game 2
Both teams were kept quiet through five innings. Sophomore Jalen Adams retired the Ospreys in order in the third and fourth innings. Iowa picked up their first hit in the game on a one out double off the bat of freshman Jena Young.
In the top of the sixth, the Hawkeyes had their first two runners reach base. Senior Sammy Diaz moved them both into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt. Junior Rylie Moss brought home the first run of the game with an infield RBI.
The Ospreys had a strong response in the bottom of the sixth. They were able plate six runs on four hits, three free passes and two Iowa errors to take a commanding lead. Iowa managed to get two runners on in the seventh, but UNF shut the door to close out the game.
The Hawkeyes finished the game with one run on six hits and had two errors.
NOTABLES
- Ojo has recorded 11 strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings of work this season.
- The Hawkeyes had five stolen bases in the doubleheader, Berry with three of them.
- The Hawkeyes had 21 runners left on base in two games.
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes return to action on Wednesday Feb. 28 for a midweek matchup at Wichita State. First pitch at Wilkins Stadium is scheduled for 1 p.m. (CT) and will be streamed on ESPN+ (subscription required).