The two University of Iowa true freshmen were dazzling in their debuts at the Florida Atlantic University Paradise Classic, helping the Hawkeyes to an impressive 4-1 overall record in the three-day event.

Adams, a five-time Dodger all-stater, worked 12.1 innings — the most of any Hawkeye pitcher — spanning three different appearances. She did not allow a single earned run, and opponents batted only .088 against her. Adams recorded a win, a loss and a save.

Bennett, FDSH’s standout shortstop for five years, batted .471 from the No. 3 spot in the order. She drove in four, scored three times and roped both a double and a triple.

“I was so grateful to be given the opportunity to play this past weekend, and had an immeasurable amount of excitement when I stepped onto the mound,” Adams said. “I feel that my confidence will only go up from here as I get a few more innings under my belt.

Photo by Stephen Mally/hawkeyesports.com: Tory Bennett, a former Fort Dodge all-stater and current Iowa true freshman, went 8-for-17 at the plate and started at shortstop for the Hawkeyes at the FAU Classic.

“I can’t wait to see where this season heads in the next few weeks.”

Iowa’s signature win was over No. 23 Mississippi State, 2-0. The Hawks also topped Stony Brook (5-0), Bethune-Cookman (8-0) and Loyola (3-1). They were edged in nine innings by host FAU, 4-3.

“It felt great to be able to show off all my hard work,” Bennett said. “I really wanted to come out and perform well for my team. The pace was quicker than high school for sure, but I felt like I was able to keep up. After all, Division I has some of the best softball players in the country.

“I didn’t realize how nervous I was for my first at-bat until after the hit was over and I felt my hands shaking. The solid hit felt good and everything finally began to feel real. As the games went on, I was able to settle in and play my game.”

Adams and Bennett both started in over 200 games as Dodgers. Adams, the 2021-22 Gatorade Softball Player of the Year in the state of Iowa, graduated as Fort Dodge’s all-time leader in wins (111), strikeouts (880) and offensive batting average (.462), among a host of other program records. Bennett, a fellow first team all-stater in 2022, hit .429 with 150 RBI, 217 runs scored and 103 stolen bases over the course of her own decorated career.

The Dodgers went 174-30 with Adams and Bennett in the lineup, reaching the Class 5A state championship round three consecutive times and winning it all in 2021.

Adams and Bennett, who both graduated with cumulative grade point averages over 3.85 in high school, shared the 2022 Florence Nordman Award as Fort Dodge’s top female senior athlete.

“It was a little bittersweet going out onto the field without my mom (Andi, FDSH’s Hall of Fame head coach) down the third-base line,” Adams admitted, “but I am grateful for the opportunity to play in my home state (at the next level).

“I am so proud, knowing what great support and love we have back in Fort Dodge.”

Bennett agreed.

“I’m definitely feeling the love from my FD people,” Bennett said. “I’ve gotten so many texts and calls from people back home, and I’m so thankful for all of the support. My jersey might say ‘Hawkeyes’ now, but my heart and grit will always show the Dodger in me.”

Iowa is back in action on Friday against North Carolina State in Raleigh, N.C. The Hawkeyes face the Wolfpack on Friday and Saturday, while squaring off with Syracuse on Saturday and Sunday.