In the first home game of the season, and first at the new Cyclone Sports Complex, the ISU softball team defeated Oklahoma State 11-8 on Friday afternoon.

The Cyclones were paced offensively by Tori Torrescano, who batted 2-for-3 with five RBIs including a grandslam in the second inning. 

“The pitch was right where I wanted,” Torrescano said. “It felt great to get one on our new field and get a big win for the team.”

Maddie Reese was the other Cyclone to knock one over the fence. Her solo shot in the third inning increased the team’s lead to four runs at 6-2. 

ISU starting pitcher Riley Fisher got into a bit of a jam in the top of the fourth allowing 3 runs to cross the plate for the Cowgirls. Smith came in for relief with the bases loaded and was able to limit the damage.

“I’ve got to trust my team, trust my pitches,” Smith said. “Coach always tells me to be the pitcher I am in the bullpen on the field.”

The whole team was ecstatic after getting the first win at their new home and the first conference win this season. From the locker rooms and bathrooms to the bigger batting cages there was nothing but good things said about the new facility.

“Its great to have this new stadium for us,” said coach Stacy Gemeinhardt-Cesler. “It was great to see everyone out here today, and because theres no cost of admission I bet we’ll see more families out here as the weather warms up.”

The Cyclones and Cowgirls will be back on the diamond Saturday at noon for game two of the three game series this weekend.