Two ISU home runs were all the ammunition the softball team needed to get back in the win column, as the Cyclones defeated South Dakota State 7-1 Thursday afternoon at the Southwest Athletic Complex.

Iowa State (17-28, 2-12 Big 12) blasted a season-high 12 hits against the Jackrabbits, who only mustered four hits against pitcher Katie Reichling. Reichling struck out three batters and allowed only one walk, improving her record to 7-10.

The game was a turnaround for the Cyclones, who had just lost an eight-inning slugfest against No. 25 Nebraska on Wednesday. South Dakota State is in transition from Division II to Division I, but ISU coach Ruth Crowe said she believes the team has potential.

“They hit well and they will only get better,” she said. “Katie pitched a great game and we had good defense.

“We were excited to get back on the field today and prepare for the remaining games. Our number one goal was to focus from start to finish, and I think we really did that.”

Kim Rodgers began the Cyclone assault in the first inning with a line drive to right field, and was sent to second on a sacrifice bunt from Cary Akins. Jessica Quade capitalized with a ground shot up the middle to score Rodgers for the early lead.

The Jackrabbits responded in the second when West Des Moines native Ali Adair was brought home on a single from Amy Wittgenstein to center field, after drawing a walk. The throw from Cyclone center fielder Fallon Johnson was bobbled by catcher Ashley Killeen, and Wittgenstein was called safe at the plate. It would be the only run South Dakota State would collect.

Iowa State mimicked its scoring opportunities from the first inning as a hit by Diana Reuter and a bunt from Jennifer Bigbee were followed by a drive to center from Johnson, scoring Reuter.

After Reichling earned a single in the third, a long battle between Jackrabbit pitcher Kim Westendorf and Killeen resulted in her third home run of the year. The long shot over center field — a mark 220 yards from home plate — jumped the score to 4-1 in Iowa State’s favor.

Things were quiet until the sixth, when the Cyclones unleashed another series of hits. Johnson recorded a triple with a rip to right center, and Rodgers beat out a throw to first for the infield single. Akins then bombed her second career home run to left field for a three-run tally after a battle of foul balls with Westendorf.

“It was a full count, and I knew if she pitched anything close I was going to swing as hard as I could,” Akins said. “She sent it right down the plate and I took it.

“We have to take this confidence with us into the weekend.”

The Cyclones return to conference action this weekend against the Baylor, who are No. 8 in the nation.