UI Athletics news release
IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa softball team fell to No. 16 Washington in the series finale on Sunday, 10-6 in the 10th inning.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Washington struck first with a run in the opening inning, but Iowa responded quickly, plating two in the bottom half. Devin Simon, Tory Bennett and Kiara Sipe loaded the bases with consecutive singles. Leah McAnally reached on a fielding error, allowing Simon and Bennett to score.
The Huskies evened the score in the second inning.
Iowa regained the lead, 4-2, in the bottom of the second on a two-run home run by senior Avery Jackson. Washington answered in the third with a home run to tie the game at 4-4.
The Hawkeyes took the lead again in the fourth. Jackson reached on a fielder’s choice and came around to score on a single and a throwing error in the following at-bat.
Washington tied the game, 5-5, in the fifth inning and took a 6-5 lead in the sixth.
Iowa answered to tie the game in the bottom of the sixth. Simon reached on a fielder’s choice, driving in Mariah Myers, who had doubled and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt.
The score remained tied until the 10th inning, when Washington scored four runs to secure the victory.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH STACY MAY-JOHNSON
“Serayah did a good job changing speeds and keeping them off balance. They’re a good offensive team, so it was good to see her stay competitive that deep into the game. Mariah is super talented and just starting to scratch the surface of her potential. We’re working for her to build consistency so we can get her into the middle of the order. Going into Oregon, we must play our softball no matter the outcome. Of course, we want to win every game, but we’re focused on playing great softball.”
NOTABLES
• Jackson has four home runs this season after hitting two combined over her previous three seasons.
• Serayah Neiss pitched 9 1/3 innings, surpassing her previous career high of eight.
• April 8, 2025, was the last time Iowa played a 10-inning game.
• Myers went 3-for-5 with two runs scored.
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes travel to Eugene, Oregon, for a weekend series against Oregon from April 3-5. First pitch is set for Friday at 8 p.m. (CT), followed by Saturday at 6 p.m. (CT) and Sunday at 2 p.m. (CT). Fans can follow along on B1G+ (subscription required).