Iowa State University’s softball team split its two games on the second day of the Doc Halverson UNI-Dome Classic in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The Cyclones started strong with a 16-2 win over Kansas City in five innings, but later lost to Omaha by a score of 5-4.
In the opening game against Kansas City, Iowa State broke open a close contest by scoring 13 runs across the fourth and fifth innings. Jessie Clemons and Reagan Bartholomew each recorded three hits to lead all players. The team produced 14 RBI on 13 hits overall. Liv Palumbo pitched her first collegiate game for Iowa State, completing all five innings and striking out three batters.
“We just tried to keep putting pressure on their defense,” said head coach Jamie Pinkerton after the first game. “It was good to see our lineup execute up and down.”
Bartholomew hit her second home run of the season as part of her performance. Kadence Shepherd led with three RBI, while Tiana Poole contributed multiple hits as well.
The Cyclones faced more difficulties in their second matchup against Omaha. Despite outhitting their opponent, Iowa State committed three errors that led to four unearned runs and left nine runners stranded on base. Kasey Kane registered her first career hit—a two-RBI double—while both she and Sydney Malott had multi-hit games.
“Omaha capitalized on our mistakes,” Pinkerton said following the loss. “We need to clean things up defensively moving forward.”
Ava Mullen started for Iowa State in game two, allowing three runs (one earned) over 2.1 innings before Jaiden Ralston finished out the final 4.2 innings with two strikeouts.
The Cyclones will conclude their tournament play tomorrow with games scheduled against Butler at 10 am and UNI at 3 pm; both contests are set to be streamed live on ESPN+.
