UNI softball loses to No. 20 Arkansas on final day of Razorback Rumble

Sunday, March 10

Fayetteville, Ark.

12:15 p.m.

University of Northern Iowa

11-9

Arkansas

20-5

Northern Iowa

Arkansas

UNI softball loses to No. 20 Arkansas on final day of Razorback Rumble

3/10/2024 2:45:00 PM | Softball

Box Score FINAL RESULTS

Panthers begin Missouri Valley Conference play next weekend

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas --- UNI softball suffered its second consecutive loss to No. 20 Arkansas on Sunday afternoon, losing 9-0 in the final day of the Razorback Rumble. Sunday's contest marked the Panthers' final game of the event, and UNI went 2-3 for the weekend.

The Razorbacks jumped out to an early lead against Anna Wischnowski and the Panthers. With one out in the bottom of the first inning, Arkansas recorded back-to-back singles to put runners at the corners. Bri Ellis scored the opening run of the game on a passed ball, and the Razorbacks tacked on another run to lead 2-0 after the first inning.

Kate Lappe recorded one of two Panther hits for the game in the top of the second inning, but Arkansas starting pitcher Robyn Herron worked around Lappe's leadoff single and retired the next three UNI batters in order.

Arkansas broke the game open in the bottom of the second with a lengthy two-out rally. RBIs from Ellis and Kennedy Miller gave the Razorbacks a 4-0 lead, and a three-run home run from Hannah Gammill capped the inning. Gammill's blast gave the Razorbacks a 7-0 advantage after the second inning.

Kara Maiers pitched the remainder of the contest after Wischnowski left the contest in the second inning.

Offensively, the Panthers weren't able to breach Herron. The Arkansas pitcher struck out 10 UNI batters and allowed just two total hits. Kylee Sanders picked up the Panthers' second hit of the contest in the top of the third, which represented the Panthers' best scoring opportunity of the day. Daryn Lamprecht led off the inning with a walk, and Sanders' single put two runners on with no outs. Alexis Pupillo was then hit by an offering from Herron, which loaded the bases with one out in the inning. However, Herron retired Madison Parks and Lappe to end the threat.

The Panthers did not record another hit for the remainder of the contest.

Maiers efficiently carved through Arkansas' lineup in the third, fourth and fifth innings, but the Razorbacks ultimately secured a run-rule victory in the bottom of the sixth. With two outs in the bottom of the inning, Miller hit a two-run home run that gave Arkansas a 9-0 lead. Miller's home run ended the contest due to the run rule.

With a majority of non-conference play in the rear view mirror, the Panthers have an 11-9 record.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Following Sunday's meeting, UNI is now 4-7 all-time against Arkansas.
Maiers posted a strong outing on Sunday afternoon, going 3.2 innings and allowing two hits and two earned runs. Maiers also had a strikeout.
3.2 innings tied for longest outing Maiers has had in her Panther career. She also pitched 3.2 innings on March 2 against Arizona.
Sunday's loss marked the fourth time that the Panthers have been shut out in 2024.
The Panthers have just three more non-conference games as the team turns to Missouri Valley Conference play. UNI faces Illinois on March 27, Iowa State on April 2 and Iowa on May 1.

UP NEXT

The Panthers begin Missouri Valley Conference play next weekend with a series at Belmont. UNI faces the Bruins at 5 p.m. on Friday, 2 p.m. on Saturday and at 12 p.m. on Sunday to close the series.

All three games will be broadcast on ESPN+.