The Iowa State softball team hits the road to Long Beach, California, for the five-game Wilson Invitational.
The Cyclones are looking to bounce back after a 1-4 start at the Felsberg Invitational in Miami. Through their first five games, the Cyclones are averaging four runs per game while allowing seven.
Iowa State will face a challenging slate of opponents, including Oregon State, Saint Mary’s, Long Beach State, Southern Utah and California.
Offensively, the Cyclones are led by freshmen standouts Jessie Clemons and Sereniti Trice, batting .500 and .357, respectively. Transfer juniors Sydney Malott (.353) and Reagan Bartholomew (seven RBIs) have been key contributors as well. Senior Angelina Allen reached base consistently, recording a .500 on-base percentage with five walks and a home run.
The Cyclone pitching staff will aim to improve after a rocky opening weekend. Sophomore Lauren Schurman leads the team with a 3.08 ERA over 11 innings, while junior Jaiden Ralston has thrown 10.1 innings with a 6.10 ERA. Freshman Abby Huhn saw her first Division I action, pitching 3.1 innings.
Defensively, the Cyclones will look to tighten up after committing eight errors in five games, resulting in a .942 fielding percentage.
Game One: Oregon State at 4 p.m. Friday
The Beavers opened their season at the Mustang Classic in San Luis Obispo, California, going 3-2. Oregon State’s offense is averaging eight runs per game while allowing five.
Senior Lici Campbell leads the Beavers with a .400 batting average and seven RBIs, while sophomore Tristan Thompson has driven in 10 runs and hit two home runs.
Game Two: Saint Mary’s at 4 p.m. Saturday
The Gaels are coming off a 1-4 performance at the NorCal Kickoff in Sacramento, California. They average two runs per game and allow four. Sophomore Alex Cutonilli leads the team offensively with a .357 average, one home run and four RBIs.
Game Three: Long Beach State at 6:30 p.m. Saturday
Long Beach State enters with a 3-2 record, averaging 4.6 runs per game while allowing three. Freshman Priscilla Iniguez has six hits, including three doubles, for a .375 average. Senior Rebekah Durazo has added a home run and six RBIs.
Game Four: Southern Utah at 11 a.m. Sunday
The Thunderbirds are 1-4 after competing in the UNLV Classic. Southern Utah scores five runs per game, but the defense gives up 11 on average. Sophomore Arianna Ramirez is hitting .400 with six hits and six RBIs.
Game Five: California at 1:30 p.m. Sunday
The Golden Bears are coming off a strong showing at the Kajikawa Classic in Tempe, Arizona, finishing 3-2. California’s offense is explosive, with four hitters batting over .350 and seven players already hitting home runs. Sophomore Lagi Quiroga leads the way with three home runs.
The Cyclones will look to build momentum this weekend and return home with a stronger record as they continue their non-conference schedule.
