Iowa State Split Day at Sun Devil Classic with Win and Loss
The Iowa State softball team kicked off the Sun Devil Classic with a bang, securing a commanding win against New Mexico State and then facing a tough defeat against Grand Canyon on the same day. The tournament, held at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, took place on September 28, 2024. The Cyclones showcased their offensive prowess in the first game, only to face challenges in the second match, highlighting the unpredictable nature of sports competitions.
New Mexico State Match Recap
In a thrilling opening game of the Sun Devil Classic, Iowa State displayed a dominant offensive performance against New Mexico State, clinching an 11-3 victory in just five innings. The Cyclones wasted no time in taking control of the game, scoring 11 consecutive runs before allowing their opponents to score three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.
The team’s offense was firing on all cylinders, amassing a total of 14 hits. Freshman Sereniti Trice, senior Angelina Allen, freshman Jessie Clemons, and junior McKenna Andrews stood out with multiple hits each. Notably, Allen’s triple and home run accounted for five RBIs, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Andrews also made an impact with two doubles and three runs scored, while Clemons and Trice excelled with a 3-for-4 performance, each scoring two runs and an RBI. Juniors Sydney Malott and Reagan Bartholomew added a hit and an RBI to solidify the team’s offensive output.
On the pitching front, junior Jaiden Ralston delivered a stellar performance, pitching 4.2 innings and allowing just four hits. Despite a three-run home run in the fifth inning, Ralston showcased her skills with three strikeouts and one walk before handing over the ball to sophomore Lauren Schurman for the final out. While the Cyclones committed one error that led to New Mexico State’s runs, their overall performance was commendable.
Grand Canyon Match Recap
The second game of the day presented a tougher challenge for Iowa State, as they fell to Grand Canyon with a score of 11-3 in six innings. The Cyclones struggled early on, giving up two runs in the first inning and facing a major setback in the third inning, where they allowed eight runs on seven hits, including two home runs. Defensive lapses, with two costly errors, further compounded their challenges.
Offensively, Iowa State failed to replicate their earlier success, mustering only four hits, striking out six times, and failing to draw a walk. While Allen and Malott made notable contributions, including a three-run homer by Malott in the fourth inning, the team’s overall performance fell short of expectations.
Defensively, the Cyclones committed three errors, leading to four unearned runs. Schurman started in the circle but struggled, allowing four earned runs in 2.1 innings. Ralston, who came in as relief, faced difficulties as well, giving up four runs without recording an out. Freshman Sami Potvin took over and finished the game, showing promise with her pitching performance.
Looking Ahead
Despite the mixed results on the first day of the Sun Devil Classic, Iowa State remains determined to bounce back in their upcoming game against Portland State at 2:15 p.m. on Saturday. The team’s resilience and competitive spirit will be put to the test as they aim to showcase their true potential in the remainder of the tournament.
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