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121 T he University of Iowa soball team does not typically have a weekend break early in the season, but from Feb. 20 to March 1 was the perfect time to hit pause. e Hawkeyes opened the season in two tournaments — one in San Marcos, Texas, the other in Atlanta — during the first two weeks. en they used a weekend off and unusually warm February weather to slow things down. "e nice thing about the break was we got to spread out," said Iowa head coach Marla Looper. "We didn't feel like we were racing to accomplish our goals in a day and a half. We had a few days to slow it down, regroup, re-energize, and recharge." Part of slowing down included returning to basics and focusing on technique. "Being outside and having that break was great," said Looper. "We were able to get back to the little things offensively, defensively, and in the circle. We tried to find ways to tighten those little things that we needed to work on. "All the way around, there's always something we can fix. We've been doing the little things pretty well in practice, it's a matter of transitioning that to the game when the heat's on. We're right there, we're right on the cusp." Although the first two tournaments were challenging, Iowa looks to move forward, learning from the past to improve each day. "Working with the right approach in each at-bat is a big deal," said senior infielder Claire Fritsch. "We need to make sure our short game stays strong. We had a lot of production with our short game, so if we can continue to do that and have a great approach each at-bat, it will help." Like many programs, the Hawkeyes were cooped up during January and early February practices. e soball team typically spends the month of February and half of March practicing on the Iowa Turf field at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex. is season has been different. Iowa City enjoyed a couple weeks of unseasonably warm weather that allowed the field to dry. At the end of February, the Hawkeyes took advantage of two days of sunshine and warm temperatures to practice outside. "Being outside helped," said Fritsch. "e outfielders were able to work on reading balls with the sun and other elements. It was also helpful for the infield, because playing on dirt instead of turf is a big difference." "Being outside also helped with scrimmages," added freshman pitcher Allison Doocy. "Overall, it runs more smoothly and makes it easier to practice in game-like situations." Although both tournaments have been in warmer climates, practicing outside on their home field gave the Hawkeyes vigor that they plan to carry forward into the Judi Garman Classic and beyond. "Being outside allows you to have different energy," said Looper. "You travel and get nice weather, but then you come home and you are back inside. You have florescent lights, four walls, and a roof. e nice thing is we are used to practicing inside, but we will benefit from being outside as we move forward." e Hawkeyes traveled to Fullerton, California, where they faced No. 3 Florida on March 2 in the first game of the Judi Garman Classic. Iowa will also square off with Fresno State, No. 8 Washington, No. 20 Arizona State, and No. 23 California. MARCH SCHEDULE March 2 vs. Florida March 2 vs. Fresno State March 3 vs. Washington March 4 vs. Arizona State March 4 vs. California March 11 vs. Drake March 11 vs. UMKC March 12 vs. UMKC March 12 at Kansas March 13 at Kansas March 15 at Missouri (DH) March 18 Valparaiso March 18 South Dakota March 19 Creighton March 19 South Dakota State March 24 Illinois* March 25 Illinois* March 26 Illinois* March 31 at Purdue *