The ISU softball team embark on a crucial 10-day stretch with four games left in the season, all within the conference. The first stop is at No. 18 Baylor this weekend.

The Cyclones sit at 5-9 in the conference and are one game back of the sixth seed for the Big 12 Softball Championships. The importance of being the sixth seed or higher means the team can afford one loss during the tournament without being eliminated.

“It’s important that as a team that we don’t look too far into our future,” said senior Cary Akins. “If we start looking ahead of ourselves, we’ll stop playing our game. There’s a little bit of pressure, but we’re going to try to ignore that and play one game at a time.”

Iowa State has never been seeded sixth or higher in the history of the Big 12. Coach Stacy Gemeinhardt is in her first season at Iowa State, and already she has this team thinking about the possibilities within postseason play.

“I think that we’ve worked a lot and we’ve taken advantage of some opportunities that we’ve been given,” she said.

“I’m pleased with where we’re at right now, but we have a lot of work to do.”

For some players who have been through the tough years of the program, this opportunity provides a fresh perspective toward the end of the season. But the test comes with not being caught thinking ahead about the possibilities and being able to control their destinies.

“It’s definitely a new feeling,” said junior pitcher Alyssa Ransom.

“Feeling like we have to do something because it will have pay off in the postseason, but coach just gave a speech about how we just have to think about winning the next game and the next game.

“If it happens that we sweep people and guarantee a spot in the tournament, then that’s what happens. I’m just thinking about the Big 12 right now – one Big 12 game at a time.”

The team could conceivably win the rest of its games, and travels to Baylor this weekend. The task is not an easy one, however, since Baylor has won eight of its last nine games.

The focus on individual opponents is apparent in every member of the team, and focus is directly attributed to the change of attitude from the new coaching staff.

“Every game is a big game,” Akins said.

“No matter who we play, at the time that’s the most important game. Saturday, Baylor will be the most important game of the season.

“It feels good, though. Honestly, it’s never been a thought process. Before we just thought, ‘OK, well we’re in last,’ but now it’s something we can actually think about. It’s kind of exciting.”

Having hope for postseason play is something that comes at a perfect time for Akins, who is in her last season with the team.

“Barely,” Akins said. “But better late than never.”