Hawkeyes Swept by #16 Washington in Extra Innings

Iowa softball team falls 10-6 in 10th inning to ranked Huskies

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:47am

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The University of Iowa softball team lost to No. 16 Washington 10-6 in the 10th inning on Sunday, completing a series sweep for the Huskies. Iowa had taken the lead multiple times throughout the game, but Washington was able to tie it up and eventually pull ahead in extra innings.

Why it matters

This loss drops the Hawkeyes to 0-3 on the season against a ranked opponent, raising concerns about their ability to compete with top teams as they prepare to face another ranked foe in Oregon next weekend.

The details

Iowa struck first with two runs in the bottom of the first inning, but Washington quickly evened the score in the second. The Hawkeyes regained the lead 4-2 in the second on a two-run homer by senior Avery Jackson, but the Huskies tied it again in the third. Iowa went up 5-4 in the fourth, but Washington tied it in the fifth and took a 6-5 lead in the sixth. The Hawkeyes answered to make it 6-6 in the bottom of the sixth, but Washington scored four runs in the 10th inning to secure the victory.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 30, 2026.
  • The last time Iowa played a 10-inning game was on April 8, 2025.

The players

Avery Jackson

A senior on the Iowa softball team who hit two home runs in the game.

Serayah Neiss

The Iowa pitcher who pitched 9 1/3 innings, surpassing her previous career high.

Mariah Myers

An Iowa player who went 3-for-5 with two runs scored.

Stacy May-Johnson

The head coach of the Iowa softball team.

Washington

The No. 16 ranked softball team that swept the series against Iowa.

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What they’re saying

“Serayah did a good job changing speeds and keeping them off balance. They're a good offensive team, so it was good to see her stay competitive that deep into the game.”

— Stacy May-Johnson, Head Coach

“Mariah is super talented and just starting to scratch the surface of her potential. We're working for her to build consistency so we can get her into the middle of the order.”

— Stacy May-Johnson, Head Coach

“Going into Oregon, we must play our softball no matter the outcome. Of course, we want to win every game, but we're focused on playing great softball.”

— Stacy May-Johnson, Head Coach

What’s next

The Hawkeyes will travel to Eugene, Oregon to face the Oregon Ducks in a weekend series from April 3-5. The first game is set for Friday at 8 p.m. CT, followed by Saturday at 6 p.m. CT and Sunday at 2 p.m. CT.

The takeaway

This series sweep by the ranked Washington Huskies highlights the challenges the Iowa softball team faces as they look to compete with top programs. However, the Hawkeyes have shown flashes of potential, and their focus on playing 'great softball' suggests they are determined to improve and be competitive against their upcoming ranked opponent, the Oregon Ducks.