By: Drew Claussen

The Gophers softball team continued its hot streak and started its Big Ten season in grand fashion over the weekend.

Minnesota (20-10) swept Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, to open its Big Ten season. The Gophers won 4-1 on Friday and dominated the Hawkeyes 10-1 and 7-3 in a doubleheader Saturday.

The teams played a doubleheader Saturday afternoon because of the cold temperatures in Iowa City. The third game was originally scheduled to be played Sunday.

Sophomore infielder Tyler Walker continued her strong season over the weekend. She recorded two hits in each game and had four runs batted in.

Junior pitcher Sara Moulton picked up two of the Gophers’ three wins this weekend. Freshman pitcher Nikki Anderson picked up her third win of the season Saturday in the Gophers’ 10-1 win.

Many players stepped up with runs batted in throughout the weekend. Catcher Kari Dorle was the only Gophers player to drive in more than three runs in one game.