“United we stand, divided we fall” is the unofficial motto for the ISU softball team’s 2008 season.

With 11 wins in their first 12 games, Iowa State is nearly halfway to matching its win total from last year.

Although the Cyclones have played effectively in all areas of the game, they attribute their early success to improved team chemistry.

“Last year we were more individual and this year we’re really playing together,” said sophomore Courtney Wray. “There’s not much of a separation between us.”

After being picked to finish last in the Big 12 by multiple experts, the ISU softball team is off to its best start ever. Instead of dwelling on the low expectations, the team banded together to try to prove their doubters wrong. As a result, they’ve developed a bond that has translated directly into wins.

Their success isn’t necessarily an indication of their individual talent – it’s a result of the camaraderie they’ve established as a team, sophomore Alex Johnson said.

“We enjoy our time together, and because of that, we’re more of a team than we’ve ever been,” Johnson said. “We have a lot of talent, but the team chemistry is what is making us good.”

Iowa State has been playing well in all aspects of the game, and contributions have been coming from everyone on the roster. On offense, eight Cyclone hitters are batting .280 or better, led by Wray at .429.

The Cyclones have been especially dangerous on the base paths – eight different players have stolen at least two bases so far this season. Their 68 runs are the most they’ve scored after 12 games since the 1975 season.

On the mound, senior Amie Ford, sophomore Charissa Carlinand freshman Rachel Zabriskie have combined to walk just 18 hitters in 78 innings, the best rate in the Big 12. Cyclone pitchers have thrown three shutouts this season after earning only two all season last year. Additionally, the ISU pitching staff has allowed the fewest runs in the Big 12.

After leading the Big 12 in errors (97) last season, the Cyclones have committed the fewest errors (7) in the conference and have turned up the second in double plays.

“We’ve been able to communicate well because of how well we’ve been bonding,” Johnson said. “If anything, improved communication has been our key.”

With 12 freshmen and sophomores, the Cyclones have the youngest roster in the Big 12. While the players are excited about their hot start, they realize that the competition will eventually get tougher once conference play begins.

“We’re trying to keep it in perspective,” said senior Ariel Coburn. “Regardless of who we play, we’re going to play our hearts out. It could be Arizona or Oklahoma or a smaller college – we’re going to keep playing our game.”