For the first time in nearly a month, the ISU softball team finally found its stroke. Weeks of latent work from the plate ended during the team’s debacle of rival Northern Iowa.

The Cyclones had not scored more than nine runs in a game since they put 10 up against Wichita State on March 12. Without the offensive firepower, the team had struggled to find victories. Iowa State was 3-5 during that span and scored no more than seven runs in any game.

Northern Iowa was the unfortunate recipient of the onslaught Tuesday, but the Cyclones are unapologetic about beating up their in state rivals.

“I think it was little insulting for them to throw the same pitcher at us and I know a lot of people were not happy about their performances last week, including myself,” said Tori Torrescano, referring to pitcher Jaye Hutcheson, who only allowed two runs in the first meeting, but only lasted 1 1/3 innings Tuesday.

Torrescano and Erica Miller fueled the fire. Miller opened up the Cyclone rally with a towering three-run homer in the bottom of the first. With one swing, Miller was able to surpass the run total of the team’s first outing against the Panthers.

With the team already solidly ahead with a 6-2 lead, Torrescano added her own dose of punishment. The Cyclone designated hitter hit the first of her two solo shots in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Her second solo home run in fifth inning put the game out of reach, as the run rule went into effect.

However, Miller was dedicated to keeping pace in the home run race. Just two batters earlier, Iowa State’s hottest hitter connected on her second four-bagger. Miller finished the day going 2-for-3 with two runs and five RBI’s on top of her two home runs.

Miller and Torrescano led the way, but a series of sluggers contributed to the offensive up rise. The top three hitters, Heidi Kidwell, Sara Davison and Dalyn Varela each scored two runs and put themselves in positions to help the cause.

“Everyone was really excited today and we have to get that same intensity and same mentality for every game,” Torrescano said.

The afternoon’s accomplishments also put the team in the ISU record book. It was the first time since 2008 that an ISU softball player had a multi-home run game. With Torrescano and Miller collaborating for two home runs each, it marks the first time in school history that there have been four or more home runs in one game.