WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Junior Lilly Fecho struck out 10 batters and sophomore Kristen Hoppman had two hits in the game, but the Boilermakers fell 2-0 to Iowa in Game 1 of the three-game series.
Shayla Starkenburg (13-18) struck out seven batters and allowed one walk and two hits in the win for Iowa. Fecho issued the 10 Ks and allowed just one hit and five walks in the loss.
Hoppman accounted for both of Purdue's hits in the game with a bunt single in the fifth and a seventh-inning single up the middle. The sophomore also had a stolen base in the game.
A fielding error put senior Alyssa Koorsen on in the first inning, but a double play ended the stanza.
The Boilers threatened in the second as freshman Kaylah Hampton drew a leadoff walk and went to second on a wild pitch. Hoppman joined her on an error by the shortstop, then the pair moved into scoring position on a passed ball. A fielder's choice play at the plate and a ground ball kept the team off the board.
A fielder's choice and a stolen bases put a runner a Hawkeye at second in the third, but junior Paris Andrew made a diving catch at shortstop to end the inning.
Hoppman led off the fifth with a bunt single and promptly stole second. A foul out, a ground out and strikeout kept her from coming home.
The Hawkeyes drew a leadoff walk in the sixth and capitalized as Megan Blank followed with a two-run home run. Iowa got two more walks in the inning, but the Boilermaker defense held.
Hoppman kept the game going for the Boilers with a two-out single up the middle in the seventh, but a fielder's choice play at second base wrapped up the game.
The Boilermakers and Hawkeyes will face off again on Saturday in a 1 p.m. doubleheader. It is Strike Out Cancer Day and Senior Day at the ballpark. The senior day ceremony will take place between games of the twin bill.