By Jess Westendorf
The Iowa softball team will head to Des Moines tonight to try to defeat the only in-state team it has yet to knock off, Drake.
To do that, the Hawkeyes will have to file away the sour memory of a 11-1 beatdown at the hands of the Bulldogs earlier this season.
Iowa has defeated both Northern Iowa (4-2) and Iowa State (2-1) this season during midweek matchups, leaving the in-state trifecta one win away.
The Hawkeyes have enjoyed success in midweek games this season.
The team is 5-2 in games that have fallen between Monday and Thursday, as well as winning its last five.
Originally, the matchup was set for April 4 in Des Moines, but after inclement weather postponed the game, both teams agreed to reschedule it.
It appears the gloomy weather that has hung over the state for the past week will move out for the game tonight.
The Hawkeyes hold the series record over the Bulldogs, 36-14.
After striking out in the first two games against Ohio State, Iowa was able to gain a valuable win in the third game this past weekend in its series against the Buckeyes. That win was much needed, especially going into tonight’s game.
Drake will face a different Iowa team that has picked itself up off the dirt since the teams’ previous meeting on March 12.
Last time, the Hawkeyes were dealing with a 16-game losing streak and looming Big Ten play. Now, the Hawkeyes have more confidence in their abilities on offense and defense.
Iowa has players such as freshman Devin Cantu staying consistent and keeping bats alive at the plate and senior Shayla Starkenburg on the mound throwing tricky curve balls. The Hawkeyes have changed their image since March.
Cantu currently has two multi-hit games, one with 2 hits and another with 3. Iowa will also look to junior Cheyenne Pratt to lead the way at the plate.
Pratt leads the team with eight multi-hit games.
Head coach Marla Looper was adamant on her team understanding the importance of showing different looks against teams this season, and that is something the Hawkeyes have going for them today.
This season Iowa holds a 17-29 record, which is completely different from its 8-21 record the last time the two teams fought it out.
The Hawkeyes have shown that if they can get started on offense early and keep up with the opponent, the results favor them.
It will take that same effort tonight. No pitching staff wants the pressure of knowing they only have a run or two to work with, so early runs will do wonders for their mental game.
This matchup is a small break from conference play, but the Hawkeyes have to keep in mind that they are on the brink of making the Big Ten Tournament with an 8-12 record, sitting at .400 in conference play.
A win tonight would give the Hawkeyes a bit more momentum as they come back to Pearl Field to take on Northwestern in its last Big Ten series of the regular season this weekend.