Another date, another scheduled game.

Therein lies the simple logic that ISU softball coach Stacy Gemeinhardt is using to prepare the Cyclones for the weekend two-game series against Texas A&M, which recently defeated top-ranked Texas 4-2 in the Lone Star Showdown.

“If we don’t come out and play our game and compete, it’s really a moot point,” Gemeinhardt said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re playing UNI or Texas or [Texas] A&M. Who they have beaten doesn’t concern me as much as getting my team prepared.”

The Cyclones managed a split in the rematch of intrastate rivals, beating Drake 5-2 and losing to the University of Northern Iowa 6-1. They are in a drought in the conference, however, dropping their last five games. At the center of the drought is the lack of run production.

“Yesterday we did all the right things we didn’t do today,” Gemeinhardt said. “We made some huge baserunning errors. And if we don’t do that, we score some runs and [that] enables us to support our pitchers.”

The Cyclones (17-19, 1-5) were the victims of a rare triple play against Northern Iowa Wednesday, when Jessica Quade lined out to the third baseman, who stepped on third and threw to second while the bases were loaded to complete the feat. Although the triple play is not likely to happen again anytime soon, the team would not be doing itself any favors to repeat baserunning errors.

One thing to keep an eye on this weekend, is that senior shortstop Cary Akins is one hit shy of 100 hits for her career. Akins was not aware of that fact.

“That is the last thing I thought about,” Akins said. “I don’t keep track of my stats, but when it happens it’ll be a small bonus.”

The Cyclones also hope to have Amie Ford sharp when they resume conference play this weekend. Catcher Ashley Killeen, who calls pitches for all Cyclone pitchers, said returning to conference play will aid Ford.

“We know a lot more about the conference opponents,” Killeen said. “We can be more careful about them, but they’re also more selective. Amie [Ford]’s a good pitcher. She’ll bounce back and she’ll regain her focus and get back on her game.”

No. 16 Texas A&M (29-11, 8-2) has won nine of its last 11 games and is tied for first in the Big 12 conference. Texas A&M is fresh off of two wins against Oklahoma State, where the offense erupted for 22 runs.

In the Cyclones last conference action, they suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 loss in extra innings to Texas Tech.

Despite the ups and downs of the last few days, Gemeinhardt is keeping the clubhouse atmosphere positive.

“You have to realize that you can’t change what’s happened, yet you have to figure out a way to keep fighting and keep going, and take it one day at a time,” Gemeinhardt said. “You can make mistakes, but you can’t make those same mistakes over and over.”