Iowa Wesleyan softball continues struggling

MT. PLEASANT - All hasn’t been bright for a talented Iowa Wesleyan softball squad starting the 2021 season. The Tigers fell twice at Mapleleaf Athletic Complex on Monday, losing to the University of Dubuque 9-0 and 3-2.

The offense struggled in Game 1. The Tigers only collected five hits over the seven-inning game.

The Tigers spread around their hits to five different players. Kayla Ford, Kara Krieger, Alex Eyman, Yessenia Munoz and Jodie Penman each had one.

Dubuque scored four runs over the first two innings to knock out Iowa Wesleyan starting pitcher Abby Dameron. Ariana Wolfard come in to pitch in the third inning and gave up five runs, three in the fourth and two in the seventh.

The Tigers struck first in Game 2. Eyman got on base with a lead off double in the second inning, and Adrianna Jarrett scored her on a ground out to give Iowa Wesleyan a 1-0 advantage.

The Tigers had Morgan Christner in the Circle for Game 2, and she kept Dubuque at bay for the first three innings. The Spartans, however, scored two in the fourth and one in the fifth to take a 3-1 lead.

Iowa Wesleyan scored one in the bottom of the fifth to pull within one run. Kayla Ford brought home pinch-runner Kylie Topliff to make it 3-2.

The Tigers had a shot to tie or win it in the bottom of the seventh inning, putting two runners on with one out. Dubuque escaped the jam to hang on for the sweep.

The Tiger women are now 1-6 on the year. They look to improve on a 1-2 SLIAC record when they host Spalding Unviersity for a doubleheader on Friday. The Tigers also host Blackburn College in a SLIAC doubleheader on Saturday.