In 2023, Indiana softball took on Indiana University Indianapolis for the first time since its 6-1 loss to the Jaguars in 2003. Prior to Wednesday, the two programs had met three times. The Hoosiers had won each matchup, outscoring the Jaguars 35-4.
With its fourth matchup in as many seasons Wednesday at Andy Mohr Field in Bloomington, Indiana extended its win streak over IU Indy to four, notching a 6-3 victory.
IU Indy entered Bloomington with just three wins in 2026, presenting a prime bounce back opportunity for Indiana –– a team coming off a blown 8-0 lead in a 14-11 loss to Rutgers on Sunday. Entering Wednesday, the Jaguars had scored 81 runs this season –– tied for 253rd in the nation. Meanwhile, Indiana ranked 22nd in the country with a 2.66 team-ERA.
Despite the Jaguars’ struggles Wednesday, the Hoosiers faced early pressure. The Cream and Crimson were unsteady in the circle to begin the game, allowing two runs in the top of the first inning. But Indiana rebounded defensively, allowing just one run the rest of the way.
Freshman pitcher Aubree Hooks earned the start in the circle for the Hoosiers. Hooks has been a consistent piece of Indiana’s pitching rotation in her first season donning a Cream and Crimson uniform. The Alabaster, Alabama, native held a 2.25 ERA across nine appearances heading into Wednesday’s contest.
However, the Jaguars’ bats came out aggressive in the opening frame. Each of their first four batters reached base. Hooks quickly loaded the bases before recording an out, walking one and allowing two singles.
With the bases loaded, Hooks walked IU Indy’s fourth batter, granting the Jaguars an early 1-0 advantage. Following the disappointing start to Hooks’ outing, Indiana head coach Shonda Stanton signaled for an early relief appearance for junior pitcher Brooke Mannon.
Like Hooks, Mannon has been a key part of the Hoosiers’ pitching unit in her first season with the team. Mannon transferred to Indiana in the offseason after spending the first two seasons of her collegiate career at the University of Arizona.
Mannon’s relief outing began with a throwing error from senior catcher Avery Parker behind the plate, bringing in another IU Indy run.
Facing a 2-0 deficit, Mannon, who owned a team-low 1.38 ERA entering the matchup, responded. Across 5.1 innings in the circle, she allowed just one hit, while striking out five hitters. The Jaguars executed a double steal in the top of the fourth frame, which added a third run.
After 5.1 innings without surrendering an earned run, Mannon’s day was done. Sophomore pitcher Ella Troutt entered in relief to end the game. Troutt tossed 1.2 scoreless innings to close out the win.
Meanwhile, Indiana’s offense brought run support to help Mannon’s efforts in the circle. Six different Hoosiers recorded a hit. Sophomore catcher and utility player Alli Gavin powered Indiana with a two-run home run in the bottom of the third inning. Junior utility player Aly VanBrandt was also effective in the batter’s box, walking twice and adding a hit.
Following a bounce-back performance against IU Indy after giving up 14 runs to Rutgers on Sunday, the Hoosiers now sit at 22-6. The Cream and Crimson will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup against Maryland at the Maryland Softball Stadium in College Park, Maryland –– Indiana’s first Big Ten series on the road this season. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. Friday, and the series will run through Sunday. All games over the weekend will be streamed on B1G+.
Follow reporters Conor Banks (@Conorbanks06 and conbanks@iu.edu) and Joe Elms (@JoeElms1 and @jpelms@iu.edu) for updates throughout the Indiana softball season.
