University of Northern Iowa Athletics
University of Northern Iowa
23-22, 11-10
Belmont
35-11, 21-5
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Runs R | Hits H | Errors E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 8 | 0 |
| Northern Iowa | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 3 |
Panthers tie UNI and MVC single-season runs record in a loss to Belmont
4/25/2026 3:26:00 PM | Softball
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The Panther softball team rounded out the series against the Belmont Bruins on Saturday at Robinson-Dresser Sports Complex. The Cats struck first, tying the program and conference single-season runs record in the process, but could not cross the plate again, dropping game three and the series to Belmont, 9-1.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Panthers were first on the board, with a single off the bat of Sykora Smith to score Ava Smithson in the bottom of the second inning.
The Bruins tacked on runs in back-to-back innings in the top of the third and fourth with a sacrifice fly in the third to tie the game and six in the fourth to take a 7-1 lead. Belmont scored one run on a single, four on a grand slam, and one on an error to take a six-run lead.
The Bruins struck again in the top of the seventh inning with a pair of runs crossing on an error. Belmont took home a 9-1 victory in game three and claimed a 2-1 series victory.
BY THE NUMBERS
Skylar Benesh was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate against the Bruins in game three, including a double. Ava Smithson and Sykora Smith recorded multi-hit performances in the contest. Smith claimed the lone RBI for the Panthers, while Smithson finished with the lone run.
UP NEXT
The Panthers head to Bradley for their final regular-season road contest on Tuesday, April 28. The doubleheader against the Braves is scheduled for a 2 p.m. CT first pitch and will be available to stream on ESPN+.
UNI softball action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Softball), X (@UNISoftball), and on Instagram (@unisoftball). The 2026 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Maya Johnson (24-2)
L: Enke, Ashlyn (5-5)
Batting:
2B: Nicole Hughes 1 ; Madison Dolecki 1
3B: Ella Bertucci 1
HR: Tallulah Eichholz 1
RBI: Rylee Spindler 1 ; Brenna Blume 1 ; Tallulah Eichholz 4
SF: Rylee Spindler 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Maddy Balsiger 1 ; Nicole Hughes 1 ; Lydia Vanderwoude 1 ; Madison Dolecki 1 ; Daria Haynie 1 ; Emily Konz 1 ; Brenna Blume 1 ; Tallulah Eichholz 1 ; Ella Bertucci 1
HBP: Lydia Vanderwoude 1
Batting:
2B: Benesh, Skylar 1 ; Smithson, Ava 1
RBI: Smith, Sykora 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Smithson, Ava 1
