Hawkeyes Rally to Beat Samford, UConn

Iowa softball records two come-from-behind wins on day two of the JoAnne Graf Classic

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The University of Iowa softball team recorded two come-from-behind wins on Saturday, upending Samford (3-2) and UConn (10-9), on JoAnne Graf Field. Iowa improved to 3-1 overall after day two of the JoAnne Graf Classic.

Why it matters

The Hawkeyes' ability to rally from behind and secure victories against tough opponents like Samford and UConn demonstrates the team's resilience and competitive spirit, which will be crucial as they continue their season and aim for postseason success.

The details

In the first game against Samford, Iowa trailed 2-1 in the bottom of the fifth inning before Mariah Myers hit a two-run homer to give the Hawkeyes the lead. Serayah Neiss then silenced the Samford bats, retiring the last eight batters to secure the win. In the second game against UConn, the Huskies built an early 9-3 lead, but the Hawkeyes scored seven unanswered runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, capped by a walk-off double from Kiara Sipe, to clinch the victory.

  • The games were played on Saturday, February 7, 2026 in Tallahassee, Florida.
  • The first game against Samford was won by Iowa in the bottom of the fifth inning.
  • The second game against UConn was a dramatic walk-off victory for Iowa in the bottom of the seventh inning.

The players

Avery Jackson

An Iowa softball player who started the fifth inning rally against Samford with a leadoff double and later hit a solo home run against UConn.

Mariah Myers

An Iowa softball player who hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning to give the Hawkeyes the lead against Samford.

Serayah Neiss

The Iowa softball pitcher who entered the game against Samford in the third inning and silenced the Bulldog bats, retiring the last eight batters to secure the victory. She also recorded the win in the game against UConn.

Kiara Sipe

The Iowa softball player who hit a walk-off double in the bottom of the seventh inning to clinch the victory against UConn.

Stacy May-Johnson

The head coach of the Iowa softball team.

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What they’re saying

“Kiara Sipe is clutch. She's ready for the moment. She's never afraid of the moment and went up there and made a big swing.”

— Stacy May-Johnson, Head Coach (1630kcjj.com)

“That was a great team win; one to nine and the pitching staff did great. We have several gritty competitors. Down six runs, so what? Who cares? We did a great job keeping ourselves in the game on both sides of the ball. The moment presented itself and we got the job done.”

— Stacy May-Johnson, Head Coach (1630kcjj.com)

What’s next

The Hawkeyes will close out competition at the JoAnne Graf Classic on Sunday, February 9, 2026 against Marshall at 10:30 a.m. CT.

The takeaway

The Hawkeyes' ability to rally from behind and secure victories against tough opponents like Samford and UConn demonstrates the team's resilience, competitive spirit, and depth, which will serve them well as they continue their season and aim for postseason success.