Despite Iowa softball’s 9-7 loss Tuesday night to in-state rival Iowa State, marking the seventh defeat in a row this season for the Hawkeyes, one positive thing was displayed for Iowa amongst the nail-biting defeat and Cy-Hawk atmosphere.
Over the last few games, the Hawkeyes have seen an uptick in their defensive performance, not in the circle, but rather from their middle infielders.
During Tuesday’s back-and-forth matchup, second-year shortstop Brianna Johnson and second-year second baseman Kiara Sipe each made some remarkable plays for Iowa. Both made diving catches to keep meaningful Cyclone batters off the basepaths, keeping the Hawkeyes within reach.
Johnson’s first game saver came in the fourth inning after Iowa State had extended its lead. With two outs on the board, Cyclone Jessie Clemons grounded one just left of Johnson’s position, but instead of letting it bounce by, she laid out for it, putting her body on the line and making the catch to throw Clemons out at first.
Her second would come after Sipe made the same diving move at her fielding position to get the first of three outs in the sixth inning. Johnson would later lay out again for yet another ball from Clemons, this time a line drive to end the inning.
These key plays helped keep Iowa’s life alive, giving the Hawkeyes a chance tied at seven going into the final inning, something head coach Stacy May-Johnson praises them for.
“In a day like this, when balls are flying everywhere, every one of those diving plays is a hit stolen from them,” May-Johnson said. “I was pleased with them, and those are the things that give you a chance to win.”
It is not only the coaches who commend Johnson and Sipe for their commitment to saving bases, but also the Hawkeye pitchers.
“My whole infield is great, they continually come talk with me telling me they have my back, and I have their back,” first-year Carly Brewer said.
To Johnson and Sipe, it is just a normal play and something they have built an understanding of, and prepare to do any day of the week, whether in practice or in a game like Tuesday.
“I trust these girls a lot, we hang out on and off the field, and in practice we try to compete to make each other better,” Johnson said. “Our coaches will push us to practice using our range, but we just try to be ready when the ball is coming our way.”
Tuesday’s Cy-Hawk game was a welcoming reminder of some connections between the two schools, some that run deeper than just affiliation, but family.
“Both my parents went to Iowa State, and I came here, so I mean I have been a part of both sides, and being with the Hawks is my favorite thing ever,” Brewer said.
It was also the first time that coach May-Johson has been the head coach in the series since she played for the Hawkeyes.
“I would have liked it more if we had won, but it’s good to be back in it,” May-Johnson said. “This one means a lot to us, even though we did not walk away with the win, we are excited to be a part of the rivalry.”
And for those who come from out of state, the rivalry is still well known and understood.
“I really love the competitive atmosphere, not just in softball but every sport that this rivalry is a part of,” Johnson said. “You learn a lot about the culture, and it’s a tough fight every time.”
Despite the tough loss in a game that may mean more to some than others, Iowa hopes the strong defensive outing can help improve its offense as it prepares for the Dr. Christine Grant Classic this coming weekend. The Hawkeyes will host two games against the Yellow Jackets of Georgia Tech and two against the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State.
“These losses can be painful, and so they can also become key learning moments,” May-Johnson said. “Players can experience failure, and they will never want to feel it again.”