ATLANTA, Ga. — Senior Allison Doocy was dealing on Friday, throwing a one-hit shutout to lead the University of Iowa softball team (5-1) past the Boston College Eagles, 4-0, in the opening game of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge in Atlanta.
Doocy (2-0) went the distance for Iowa, giving up one hit and striking out 12.
At the plate, the Hawkeyes were paced by freshman Nia Carter, who went 3-for-3 on the day with a double and an RBI. Junior Mia Ruther compiled a standout performance at the plate, going 2-for-4, and sophomore Kit Rocco chipped in, putting together one hit in three trips to the plate while adding an RBI.
HEAR FROM COACH G
“It was one of our better softball games. Doocy was strong on the mound with her 12 strikeouts and we had eight hits in the game. We scored in four of the seven innings. Nia (Carter) was amazing today, going 3-for-3 and giving us a big advantage on offense. Taylor (Ryan) did a great job on the bases. She came in as a pinch runner and got a chance to steal third base and give us another score to solidify that seventh innings. It was a great game overall and Im proud of the girls.”
HOW IT HAPPENED
Senior Allison Doocy set the tone immediately by striking out the side in the first inning. Iowa got a runner on base in the first, but didnt score until the next inning when senior DoniRae Mayhew was brought in thanks to an RBI single from freshman Nia Carter.
Iowa scored one run in the next two innings, including sophomore Kit Roccos first RBI in an Iowa uniform to bring home junior Aralee Bogar, who reached on an error.
In the fourth, sophomore Cam Cecil walked and advanced to third on a single from Carter. An overthrow to catch Cecil allowed the California native to score and brought Carter to third. Carter was left of base.
After a 1-2-3 inning for Doocy in the fifth, the Eagles threatened with runners on first and second and one out. Doocy stayed composed, forcing an infield fly for the second out and striking out the Boston College batter for the final out.
Iowa gained an insurance run in the seventh with the first career double for Carter. Freshman Taylor Ryan entered to pinch run. She stole third and scored on an overthrow to make the score 4-0.
Doocy finished the job in the bottom half of the seventh, adding two more strikeouts.
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
» Doocy tossed a one-hit shutout for the Hawkeyes.
» Carter compiled three base hits in the game for Iowa.
» Doocy struck out 12 Eagles hitters.
» The Hawkeyes had control of the rest of the game after moving ahead of the Eagles 1-0 in the top of the second.
» The Hawkeyes out-hit the Eagles, 8-1.
» Iowa went 4-for-8 (.500) with runners in scoring position.
» Iowa pitchers faced 25 Boston College hitters in the game, allowing three ground balls and five fly balls while striking out 12.
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes return to action tomorrow for a doubleheader against Boston College at 2:30 p.m. (CT) and Georgia Tech at 5 p.m. Iowas game against Georgia Tech will be streamed live on watchespn.com.
