LINCOLN, Neb. – Four bunt singles and four sacrifices led to both runs Friday as Iowa eliminated Maine 2-0 in the NCAA softball regional.

The Black Bears (28-23) dropped a 4-0 decision to California in the opening round Thursday.

Kylie Murray ripped a double to open the second inning for the Hawkeyes (39-23). Pinch runner Abby Ruff then scored on a bunt single and throwing error by Maine third baseman Lauren Dulkis.

Iowa then challenged Maine with a series of bunts in third inning. Consecutive bunt singles were followed by a pair of sacrifices to plate the Hawkeyes’ second run.

The Black Bears, meanwhile, failed with their bunts. Only one Maine baserunner reached second base.

“We didn’t execute our bunts today, and that hurt us a lot,” said Maine coach Deb Smith. “We weren’t getting our runners over to third or into scoring position. We had a couple of inning with runners on, and we couldn’t move them over. Defensively, they added a good mix of bunts and speed. It worked very well for them. They were consistent. That is as consistent of a team with executing bunts as I’ve seen.”

Maine pitcher Sarah Bennis kept the Black Bears close, escaping from a bases-loaded jam in the sixth, but Maine’s offense was limited to three singles, one over the final four innings.

Winning pitcher Lisa Birocci fanned 10 batters, including the side in the seventh.