So, like, let me tell you about this super cool moment that went down at the Cyclones Sports Complex in Ames, Iowa. It was April 21, 2025, and junior third baseman McKenna Andrews was about to make a play that would go down in history.
In game one of Iowa State’s series against Utah, with the Cyclones up 5-1 in the sixth inning, Utah’s hitter smacked a ball down the third base line. Andrews, playing like a boss at the hot corner, jumped up and tipped the ball with her glove. She then did this crazy dive towards foul territory, catching the ball mid-air for the out. Insane, right?
The replay of the catch went viral on SportsCenter, ESPN, and MLB’s official accounts. Everyone was buzzing about it. Even Iowa State head coach Jamie Pinkerton couldn’t believe his eyes. He said he’d only seen one other play like it in his 40-year career.
Andrews, being the humble superstar that she is, said it was all just instinct. She mentioned how the ball looked like a beach ball in the air, and how she just reacted in the moment. Andrews also talked about how she’s relatively new to playing third base full-time, but she’s been putting in the work to make plays like this happen.
The catch not only fired up the Cyclones to win the game and the series, but it also gave softball some major national exposure. Andrews talked about how important it is for the sport to get that kind of recognition. It’s a win for the team and for softball as a whole.
And can we talk about the video clip that MLB posted on Twitter? The caption read, “The reflexes from Iowa State’s McKenna Andrews are insane.” It’s like, yeah, we know! This girl is a beast on the field.
Overall, this moment was a game-changer for Iowa State softball and for Andrews. Big plays like this not only boost the team’s confidence but also put softball in the spotlight. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
