Iowa State Drops Two Games to No. 22 Ole Miss in Doubleheader
Stepping onto the diamond at Buel Field in Oxford, Mississippi, the Iowa State softball team faced off against the formidable No. 22 Ole Miss Rebels in a doubleheader that would test their mettle. The Cyclones, fresh off the Rebel Invitational, were looking to make a statement on the field. However, the day would not go as planned for Iowa State, as they fell 9-0 in game one and suffered a narrow 8-6 loss in the second game.
Game One: No. 22 Ole Miss 9, Iowa State 0
From the first pitch, the Rebels set the tone by scoring in three consecutive innings, building a commanding 6-0 lead over the Cyclones. With a combination of walks, singles, and an Iowa State error, Ole Miss capitalized on every opportunity. The game was ultimately sealed with a powerful three-run homer in the sixth inning, invoking the run-rule.
Offensively, Iowa State struggled to find their rhythm, managing just three hits and one walk while striking out nine times and leaving four runners stranded on base. Despite the tough outing, freshmen Sereniti Trice, senior Angelina Allen, and junior Sydney Malott each contributed a hit to the effort.
In the circle, sophomore Lauren Schurman shouldered the loss, allowing six runs, two earned, on six hits over 2.2 innings. Junior Jaiden Ralston provided solid relief with 2.2 innings pitched, giving up three earned runs on three hits. The Cyclones’ defense, highlighted by a double play, was marred by two costly errors that led to multiple unearned runs.
Game Two: No. 22 Ole Miss 8, Iowa State 6
As the second game got underway, Iowa State struck first with an RBI single, only to be answered by Ole Miss with a solo homer and an RBI single in the second inning. The Rebels continued to build their lead with two homers in the third and fourth innings, putting the Cyclones on the back foot.
Despite the uphill battle, Iowa State fought back, scoring runs in the fourth and fifth innings to keep the game within reach. A sacrifice fly in the sixth briefly gave the Cyclones the lead, but Ole Miss responded with a decisive three-run rally to secure the win.
The Cyclones’ offense showed signs of life in the second game, collecting seven hits and four walks. Allen and junior Tatum Johnson led the charge with two hits each, including Johnson’s two-RBI double and Allen’s RBI single. Freshman Sereniti Trice and junior Tiana Poole also made key contributions with RBIs of their own.
On the mound, freshman Abby Huhn started strong but was ultimately charged with four runs, three earned, on six hits over two innings. Ralston and Schurman provided relief, with Schurman closing out the game and surrendering three earned runs on two hits.
Defensively, Iowa State once again executed a double play but was hindered by a crucial error that led to an unearned run in the second inning.
Looking ahead, the Cyclones are gearing up for their next challenge as they prepare to face UCF in a three-game series in Orlando, Florida. The team remains focused and determined to bounce back from their recent setbacks, ready to showcase their resilience on the diamond.
