After playing the first 41 games on the road to start the season, the ISU softball team will finally enjoy the benefits of playing at home.

“It’s awesome finally being able to play a game at our place. It’s been great that we don’t have to travel for once and are able to spend the whole week here in Ames,” said freshman pitcher Charissa Carlin.

Fortunately for ISU fans, the team that started out the season 8-18 seems to be a thing of the past. In the last two weeks, the team has started to play significantly better to improve their overall record to 17-24 entering the team’s doubleheader against Northern Iowa.

For coach Stacy Gemeinhardt-Cesler, the reason for the team’s early season struggles is extremely evident.

“As you start playing more and more into the season, progress is expected. It takes more time for the younger players to feel comfortable and produce,” she said.

The top young player on the Cyclone roster this year has been freshman first baseman Alex Johnson.

During last Sunday’s game, Johnson tied the school record for hits by a freshman in a season when she recorded her 45th hit of the season. Although she is on the verge of breaking the record, the success hasn’t gone to her head.

“When I heard I tied it, I didn’t think anything of it. In fact, I didn’t even know that it was within sight,” Johnson said. “After accomplishing this, I hope that my team continues to encourage and stand behind me.”

Iowa State hopes to continue its winning ways when facing the 13-16 Panthers. Gemeinhardt-Cesler says that in order to be successful the team must focus on the fundamentals.

“We need to make sure that we are aggressive on defense, make good base running decisions, and have our pitchers stay ahead of their batters.”