Hawkeyes Sweep on Day 1 of LSU Invitational

Iowa softball team wins two games on the opening day of the tournament

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The University of Iowa softball team swept Day 1 of the LSU Invitational with a 5-3 win over Nicholls State and an 11-2 run-rule victory against Memphis in five innings at Tiger Park in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Why it matters

The Hawkeyes' strong start at the LSU Invitational demonstrates the team's early-season momentum and ability to compete against quality opponents, setting them up well for the rest of the tournament and the season ahead.

The details

In the first game, senior Sereyah Neiss struck out five over four innings and recorded her 350th career strikeout. Iowa jumped out to an early 4-0 lead and held on for the 5-3 win. In the second game, freshman Braylen Conlon earned her first career complete game, allowing two runs and striking out four. Iowa scored five runs in the third inning to pull away for the 11-2 victory.

  • The games were played on February 27, 2026.

The players

Sereyah Neiss

A senior pitcher for the University of Iowa softball team who struck out five batters and recorded her 350th career strikeout in the first game.

Braylen Conlon

A freshman pitcher for the University of Iowa softball team who earned her first career complete game in the second game, allowing two runs and striking out four.

Stacy-May Johnson

The head coach of the University of Iowa softball team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We got two strong starts from our pitchers today, and they really shut down opposing offenses. Sereyah has been consistently improving, and we're thrilled she's a Hawkeye. We started fast in Game 1 and held on, and Game 2 was full speed throughout. It was important to bounce back, but we have to build on this and stay consistent. We're still learning to play together, but we're getting close.”

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

What’s next

The Hawkeyes will return to action on Saturday at the LSU Invitational, facing Nicholls State at 11 a.m. (CT) and No. 17 LSU at 4 p.m. The LSU matchup will be broadcast on SEC Network+.

The takeaway

The Hawkeyes' dominant performance on the opening day of the LSU Invitational showcases the team's depth, pitching talent, and ability to win in different ways, setting them up for continued success as they face tougher competition in the tournament and the rest of the season.