By Hawkeyesports.com

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa softball team defeated Rutgers, 7-4, on Saturday afternoon at Bob Pearl Field to pick up its 29th win of the season.  

Freshman Jalen Adams got the start in game two of the series for the Hawkeyes and picked up her seventh win. Senior Nia Carter continued to stay hot as she went 4-for-4 with four RBIs. Junior Denali Loecker had herself a day again going 3-for-4 with one RBI at the plate and picked up her seventh save of the season in the circle. 

HOW IT HAPPENED     

The Hawkeyes came out ready to go as they got their lead off runner aboard to start the bottom of the first inning. Sophomore Tatianna Roman was able to get to second on a fielder’s choice and came around to score on an RBI double from Carter. Iowa extended its lead, 2-0, as Loecker singled to left to bring home Carter.  

n the second, Rutgers loaded the bases with one out as freshman Avery Jackson made a snag at the hot corner and started an inning ending double play to end the threat. Junior Brylee Klosterman reached on a single and came home on an RBI single from Carter to make it 3-0.

The Scarlet Knights got on the board in the third inning on an RBI double to the wall in left field. The throw beat the runner to the plate, but the out was negated by a catcher’s obstruction call to make it 3-1. Rutgers got within one as another run came home on an errant throw on a walk.  

Rutgers evened the score at three with a lead-off home run to start the fourth inning. The Hawkeyes got two runners on in the bottom of the frame but were unable to capitalize.

Iowa retook the lead, 4-3, in the fifth opening the inning with back-to-back doubles from freshman Tory Bennett and junior Grace Banes. The Hawkeyes loaded the bases with two-outs as Carter came to the plate. She delivered with a two-RBI single through the right side and Roman came home on an error to make it a 7-3 Hawkeye advantage.  

The Scarlet Knights got one back in the sixth on a two-out double to cut the Iowa lead to three, 7-4.  In the seventh, Rutgers threatened with its first two batters reaching base, but a double play on a fly out gave the Hawkeyes momentum as Loecker closed out the contest.

Iowa finished with seven runs on 11 hits and two Scarlet Knight errors.  

HEAR FROM HEAD COACH RENEE GILLISPIE 

“We came out ready to play today. I couldn’t be any prouder of that. Nia and Denali in the three and four spot really came through. It is so routine at this point for Nia, but what she continues to do every game is amazing. We are ready to come out tomorrow and play to win the series.”  

HEAR FROM THE STUDENT-ATHLETES 

“It feels great to be able to get back on track offensively and be hitting the ball hard. Getting the win today helped us bring back some confidence and show that we can compete.” – Loecker

“Today’s win was a great comeback and showed us what we are capable of as a team when rally together. At the plate, I made sure to keep my approach the same. Keep it simple and do whatever I could to help the team.” -Carter

NOTABLES     

• Carter is now ranked third for hits in a single season at Iowa (87).
• Loecker matched her season high for hits in a game (3).
• The Hawkeyes are now 12-1 when scoring in the first inning this season.

UP NEXT     

Iowa (29-22, 9-10) returns to action on Sunday in the series finale against Rutgers (31-21, 8-11). First pitch at Pearl Field is scheduled for noon (CT). The game will be streamed on B1G+ (subscription required) and broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network. After the game, the Hawkeyes will be honoring their senior class with a short ceremony.