The Iowa softball team suffered an 11-4 defeat against McNeese State in their first game of a road trip in Louisiana on March 14, 2024. This loss brings the Hawkeyes’ record to 10-5 for the season, marking their second consecutive setback.
Leah McAnally, a junior from Iowa, had a standout performance, achieving a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with a double and two singles. Freshman McKenzie Leitgen contributed significantly as well, driving in two runs for the Hawkeyes. Additionally, sophomore shortstop Brianna Johnson matched McAnally’s success, going 3-for-3 and scoring a run while making three assists and a putout defensively.
The pitching effort for Iowa fell short, with freshman Braylen Conlon taking the loss. Conlon allowed five runs on four hits and issued five walks in just two innings. Avery Sapp struggled in relief, giving up one run on two hits in two-thirds of an inning. Freshman Carly Brewer closed the game for Iowa, pitching 3 1/3 innings, during which she allowed five runs on seven hits. Collectively, the Hawkeye pitchers issued nine walks and struck out two batters from McNeese State.
In contrast, McNeese State’s Brookelyn Taylor delivered a strong performance, striking out nine Iowa batters over 5 1/3 innings, while the Cowgirls’ pitching staff allowed only one walk throughout the game.
McNeese State established an early advantage with a three-run home run from sophomore Maddie Taylor, marking her fourth of the season. Iowa responded with a sacrifice fly from redshirt sophomore Nailyn Marshall, allowing Kiara Sipe to score from third base. The Hawkeyes narrowed the deficit to one run with another score in the third inning. However, McNeese State countered with a powerful three-run inning, which included RBI singles from Meiko Dominguez, Adirana Mireles, and Nyjah Fontenont, effectively stifling Iowa’s comeback efforts.
The Hawkeyes showed signs of life in the sixth inning when Leitgen drove in Devin Simon with a single and later scored on an error, reducing the Cowgirls’ lead to three runs. Unfortunately for Iowa, McNeese State responded decisively, adding four runs in the bottom half of the sixth to secure their victory.
Upcoming Challenges for Iowa
Iowa will remain in Louisiana to participate in the LSU Invitational, scheduled for March 15-16, 2024, in Baton Rouge. The Hawkeyes’ first match of the tournament will be against Nicholls State, set to begin at 11:00 a.m. Central Time. Throughout the weekend, Iowa will also face Memphis and LSU, along with another matchup against Nicholls State.
The Hawkeyes will aim to rebound from this loss as they navigate through a challenging schedule, seeking to improve their season record and build momentum for future games.
