Iowa Softball Sweeps Day 1 of MUSB Invitational

Hawkeyes rally for walk-off win over Army, rout Mercer in six innings

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The University of Iowa softball team opened play at the MUSB Invitational I with a pair of wins on Friday, rallying past Army 7-6 and defeating host Mercer 10-2 in six innings at Sikes Field in Macon, Georgia.

Why it matters

The Hawkeyes' strong start to the tournament showcases the team's offensive firepower and resilience, as they overcame deficits in both games to secure victories. This early-season success could set the tone for the rest of Iowa's campaign as they look to build on their 2025 season.

The details

In the first game against Army, Iowa fell behind 6-3 in the seventh inning before mounting a late comeback. Freshman McKenzie Leitgen hit a walk-off grand slam to seal the victory. In the second game, the Hawkeyes scored four runs in the first inning and never looked back, cruising to a run-rule win over Mercer. Iowa hit six home runs and recorded eight extra-base hits on the day.

  • The Hawkeyes opened play at the MUSB Invitational I on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • In the first game, Iowa rallied for a 7-6 walk-off win over Army.
  • In the second game, Iowa defeated Mercer 10-2 in six innings.

The players

McKenzie Leitgen

A freshman for the Iowa Hawkeyes who hit a walk-off grand slam to defeat Army.

Devin Simon

A senior for the Iowa Hawkeyes who hit two home runs on the day.

Sereyah Neiss

A senior for the Iowa Hawkeyes who recorded the final out of the first game against Army and earned the win, her third of the season.

Braylen Conlon

A freshman pitcher for the Iowa Hawkeyes who started the second game against Mercer, tossing 3 2/3 innings of one-hit ball with one strikeout.

Stacy May-Johnson

The head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes softball team.

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What they’re saying

“McKenzie Leitgen's been swinging it well. She's been hitting great in practice and had a strong showing in Florida. With the bases loaded, that's an easy call. There's explosiveness in this offense. We have athletes who can drive the ball, and when they take balanced, aggressive swings, good things happen.”

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

What’s next

The Hawkeyes return to action on Saturday to face Army at 9 a.m. (CT) and Western Kentucky at 11:30 a.m. (CT) on day two of the MUSB Invitational I.

The takeaway

Iowa's offensive firepower and resilience were on full display as they swept their opening day at the MUSB Invitational I, rallying from deficits in both games to secure victories. This early-season success could be a sign of things to come for the Hawkeyes as they look to build on their 2025 campaign.