Photo courtesy of University of Iowa Athletics: Ex-Fort Dodge star Jalen Adams pitches for the Iowa softball squad last week against Wisconsin.

IOWA CITY — Jalen Adams has picked up right where she left off in the pitcher’s circle for the University of Iowa softball squad in 2024.

The four-time Fort Dodge Senior High first team all-stater was exceptional as a freshman for the Hawkeyes last season, sporting a team-best 2.02 earned run average. That number ranked fourth in the entire Big Ten, as Adams went on to win 11 games and work 159.2 innings. Opponents batted just .230 against the all-Big Ten freshman honoree.

Adams hasn’t skipped a beat as a sophomore. She’s currently 7-6 with a 2.26 ERA, leading the Iowa staff by a wide margin in wins, innings pitched, appearances, complete games and shutouts. The Hawkeyes are currently 14-11 overall and 2-1 in the league after taking two of three from Wisconsin last week.

In a 4-1 victory over the Badgers last Thursday, Adams worked a complete game three-hitter. She now ranks sixth in the Big Ten for ERA, first in complete games, third in games started and third in innings pitched.

Adams recorded her first collegiate hit against Wisconsin as well.

“The players did a great job with how intense and focused they were,” UI head coach Renee Gillispie said after the victory over the Badgers. “We need to bring that energy in every single game. Even after (Wisconsin) scored, we were able to get that run back.

“I’m proud of where they’re at right now, and the focus they have as we’re looking forward.”

Fellow former Dodger Tory Bennett, also a sophomore, has started in 19 contests for Iowa this season, mostly at second base. Bennett is also still spending time at shortstop as well.

The Hawks host Michigan State on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with Adams slated to start in the opener. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. in that contest, with the weekend tilts at 2 and 1 p.m., respectively.