The predominant sports rivalry in the state, the Cy-Hawk Series, took to the diamond Monday night in Iowa City. Unfortunately for Cyclones fans, the home team carved out a 4-3 victory.

“We had opportunities and they gave us opportunities,” said Cyclone coach Stacy Gemeinhardt-Cesler. “We just had some trouble adjusting offensively early.”

The Cyclones (19-20 overall, 1-7 in the Big 12) fought back late, but were unable to topple the Hawkeyes (25-16, 7-3). With the win, Iowa now holds a one-game advantage in the all-time series, 31-30-1.

Jenny Schuelke was the difference maker. Schuelke, senior outfielder for the Hawkeyes and former teammate of ISU outfielder Heidi Kidwell, cracked a three-run home run in the second inning. Schuelke only came to the plate twice during the match up, but made the most of her opportunities.

“That was not an ideal situation. We missed with the pitch and they just capitalized,” Gemeinhardt-Cesler said.

Both teams remained stagnant on offense until the fifth inning. Iowa State began clawing its way back into the picture. Catcher Amandine Habben, shortstop Cassie Knutson, and Kidwell loaded the bases.

Back-to-back walks given up by Hawkeye pitcher Chelsea Lyon scored Knutson and pinch runner Kelsey Enslin. Heading into the sixth inning, the Cyclone rally seemed to be on fire.

Iowa reliever Kayla Massey stepped up to the mound, and Iowa State’s Erin Johnson took advantage of the freshman hurler. Johnson launched a line drive to right field for a triple. Johnson completed her trip around the bases on a sacrifice bunt by Habben, tying the score at three.

“We were very patient at that point. They walked the bases full with no outs but we couldn’t fully capitalize on it,” Gemeinhardt-Cesler said. “We got into the heart of our line up where we should come through, but we didn’t.”

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Iowa’s Liz Watkins wasted no time turning the tide. A double by Watkins gave the Hawkeyes a runner in scoring position, and a Michelle Zoeller sacrifice fly secured the Iowa victory.

“I don’t think they were really that much better than us. I thought we matched up well with their pitching and I thought we could win,” Gemeinhardt-Cesler said.

Rachel Zabriskie went the distance for the Cyclones, allowing four runs and six hits while collecting seven strikeouts.

Johnson paced he offense with two hits, while Dalyn Varela, Rice, and Habben each collected an RBI.

Iowa State will return to the diamond Saturday in Ames, taking on conference foe Kansas Jayhawks.