Cyclones set to host No. 1 Oklahoma

Members of the Iowa State Softball team high five each other during the starting lineup announcements before the start of the Iowa State vs South Dakota softball game held April 2 at the Cyclone Sports Complex. The Cyclones had three home run hits and defeated the Coyotes 9-1.

The Iowa State Cyclones are set to face conference opponent No. 1 Oklahoma this weekend after successful matchups against Baylor and Omaha in the past week. 

The Cyclones will open the weekend against the Sooners at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Friday, followed by a 1 p.m. game on Saturday at the Cyclone Sports Complex.

Oklahoma is 42-2 (12-0 Big 12) and ranked 1st in the Big 12 Conference and No. 1 overall, while Iowa State is 28-18 (4-8 Big 12) and in 5th place among the Big 12 teams. 

Iowa State is coming in on a win streak, winning the past five games. Oklahoma’s win streak, however, is just a little more prominent, with the Sooner’s last loss occurring back in February against UCLA. 

The Cyclones will have to power through their talented opponent as the Sooners have the top team batting and pitching ERA, with a batting average of .369 and a pitching era of 1.21. Iowa State is ranked 5th in the conference with a team batting average of .272 and a pitching ERA of 3.04.

Iowa State will need to come out swinging both offensively and defensively as the Sooners have impressed in every aspect.