The ISU softball team will make its first road trip in two weeks when it travels to Stillwater, Okla., this weekend to take on the Oklahoma State Cowgirls (19-18, 3-3 Big 12).

The Cowgirls are gunning for their fifth victory in their last six games, including a sweep of then-No. 18 Baylor and a split with Texas.

“Like we’ve learned [from the other Big 12 teams we’ve played], we’re going to have to limit our mistakes because teams like that will take advantage of them,” co-head coach Gary Hines said. “Their coach has them swinging the bats well – they’re pretty much a typically tough Big 12 team.”

Iowa State is hoping to pick up its second win in conference play. After beating Baylor in their second conference game, the Cyclones have dropped four straight conference games. Iowa State lost both games against Oklahoma State last season, when the Cowgirls outscored the Cyclones 24-1 in Ames.

The Cowboys are led offensively by Megan Castle and Mariah Gearhart, who are hitting .400 and .444, respectively, in Big 12 play. If Gearhart reaches base, Cyclone pitchers will have their hands full trying to slow her down on the base paths – Gearhart is 19-for-21 on stolen base attempts this season.

The Cyclones will likely face Oklahoma State ace Anna Whiddon in at least one of the games. Whiddon has pitched well in conference play, going 3-1 with a 1.91 ERA.

The series with Oklahoma State could come down to whoever is able to control the strike zone. In a case of an irresistible force and an immovable object, Oklahoma State has walked the most hitters (124) of any Big 12 team, and Iowa State ranks last in the Big 12 in walks drawn (68).

The Cyclones hope to keep their offensive momentum going after breaking an eight-game losing streak with a victory over Drake in the second game of a doubleheader Wednesday night. The Cyclones broke a streak of 15 consecutive scoreless innings by scoring five runs in the final two innings against the Bulldogs.

Sophomores Amanda Bradberry and Sydni Jones have been red-hot at the plate in conference games, each hitting .357. Hines believes his team will be fine as long as they continue to manufacture runs and play solid defense.

“As long as we keep playing good defense like we have been and keep doing the little things like moving the runners over and executing sacrifice bunts, we’ll be okay. Those should help get us back on track as we go back to playing Big 12 teams.”