Silver for USA baseball
USA claimed its first medal in the World University Games on Tuesday after losing to Japan, 10-0, in the gold-medal game.
The Americans, represented by the Hawkeye baseball team, faced a 1-run deficit after the first inning, but things got out of hand as Japan exploded for 6 runs in the second.
“Tonight was a wakeup call for how much we need to improve and get better before we start our regular season,” baseball head coach Rick Heller said in a release. “It will be good motivation for our fall and off-season training.”
Junior pitcher Sammy Lizarraga and freshman Jack Dreyer surrendered 5 hits in the second inning, leading to Japan’s scoring burst.
For the Hawkeyes, Heller views their time representing the USA as a step in the right direction, both on and off the baseball field.
“It was a great experience for our guys, a once in a lifetime, and they’ll never forget this. It is invaluable for this team heading into the fall and winter and into our spring season,” he said in the release.
Field hockey extends Cellucci
Lisa Cellucci, head coach of Hawkeye field hockey, received a contract extension on Tuesday, locking her in though the year 2022.
“I’m grateful for this contract extension and for the opportunity to continue to build upon the strong history and tradition of excellence of Iowa field hockey,” Cellucci said in a release. “I am a proud product of the Iowa field-hockey program, and I owe this program and those that came before me so much for who I am as a coach and an overall person. I truly look forward to being able to provide that same life-changing experience to many more women in the years ahead.”
Cellucci, on staff for her 18th season with Iowa (fourth as head coach), propelled the Hawkeyes to consistent winning seasons.
With Cellucci on staff, the field-hockey program reached four Big Ten Championships, six NCAA Sweet 16 appearances, and one Final Four.
“Lisa has proven to be a strong leader for her program, and we are excited about the direction field hockey is headed with the influence of a highly regarded group of newcomers this fall,” said Tippie Director of Athletics Chair Gary Barta said in a release. “We have every confidence that Lisa and her staff will have our team prepared to compete for Big Ten championships and beyond on an annual basis.”
— Adam Hensley