The University of Iowa softball team swept day one of the Diamond 9 Citrus Classic Tournament on Friday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports.

The Hawkeyes defeated the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) in their first game of the day, 3-1. Then they went on to defeat Fordham, 5-3, with a comeback win in the seventh inning.

HEAR FROM COACH GILLISPIE

"Looking at what Doocy did vs UAB, was impressive. She really dominated that game. Our girls came out with big hits to win that game."

"Being able to comeback on a double header playing back-to-back games was big. Having a chance to go against Fordham, they are a very tough offensive team. You've got great pitching out of Mayhew, and Erin comes in and closes out that inning, and gets five strikeouts, with 11 at bats."

"These kids are really working hard. You see them stepping up and doing great things. It's good to have those two wins under our belt going into tomorrow's games."

HEAR FROM ERIN RIDING

"It was awesome to win. We are on a three-game win streak right now. It's awesome. (vs. Fordham) Our offense gave us a lot of momentum going into the bottom of the inning to go three up three down."

HOW IT HAPPENED

Game 1 vs. UAB

The Hawkeyes got off to a slow start. Iowa got their first run of the game by sophomore Aralee Bogar stealing second, then stealing third on an overthrow, and then stealing home on another overthrow.  

Bogar also contributed one hit and an RBI. Freshman Hallie Ketcham notched a hit and an RBI as well.

Junior Allison Doocy pitched a complete game with five strikeouts and only allowing 1 run.

Game 2 vs. Fordham

Iowa kept their bats going from the first game and wasted no time, scoring in the first inning. Junior Donirae Mayhew hit Bogar in for the Hawkeyes to go up 1-0.

Fordham responded scoring two runs in third inning and one in the fourth.

Fordham was leading 3-1 going into the top of the seventh. Junior Liz Deshields was up to bat for the Hawkeyes and got on base with a single to get the Iowa rally started.

Freshman Cameron Cecil advanced DeShields with a hit, junior Havyn Monteer advanced Cecil and DeShields with a hit of her own.

With the bases loaded, Bogar came to the plate and hit a double to left center to bring all three runners in.

Ketcham brought in Bogar with a SAC fly to give Iowa a 5-3 advantage.

Senior Erin Riding closed out the game for the Hawkeyes, retiring Fordham in order.