The Iowa softball teams plays its first Big Ten home game tonight with a matchup against Minnesota. The Hawkeyes are 2-2 after opening the conference race on the road.
Iowa coach Gayle Blevins says it’s nice to be home, but you still have to be ready to play at home. The Gophers are off to an 0-4 start in conference play but Blevins says the Hawks expect a tough matchup.
Blevins says the quality of play in the Big Ten is at a very high level and that was evident in 2005 when Michigan won the national championship. She says the top of the conference is especially good, but she says every game is a challenge. The teams will also play a game at noon on Saturday and then the Hawkeyes will conclude the weekend at home Sunday against North Dakota State.