Hawkeyes Fall to No. 16 Washington

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa softball team fell to No. 16 Washington, 16-7, on Friday evening at Pearl Field.

HOW IT HAPPENED 

The Hawkeyes struck first in the opening frame. Junior Leah McAnally singled to shallow left field following a leadoff walk by junior Devin Simon to give Iowa an early lead.

Iowa added to its advantage in the bottom of the second. Senior Avery Jackson walked, advanced to third on an error and scored on a successful double steal. The Hawkeyes continued their momentum when senior Tory Bennett delivered an RBI double to extend the lead to 3-0.

Washington responded in the top of the third, plating four runs on two home runs to take a 4-3 lead.

Iowa answered in the bottom half of the inning when redshirt sophomore Nailyn Marshall hit a solo home run to deep right field, tying the game at four.

The Huskies regained control with a seven-run fourth inning to pull away.

The Hawkeyes scored their fifth run in the bottom of the fifth. McAnally singled up the middle, cutting the deficit to 11-5.

Washington added five more runs in the top of the seventh inning, again capitalizing on two home runs.

Iowa showed fight in the bottom of the seventh, loading the bases and scoring two runs on a Phoenyx Silva single and a Jackson sacrifice fly, bringing the final score to 16-7.

NOTABLES 

• Serayah Neiss recorded five strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings pitched, including striking out the side in the first inning for the first time this season.
• McAnally went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored.
• Marshall’s home run was her third of the season.
• The Hawkeyes recorded four extra-base hits in the contest.

UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes return to action Saturday for the second game of the weekend series against No. 16 Washington. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $3 for youth and free for students. Fans can also follow along on B1G+ (subscription required).