After a 1-8 start to the season, there generally isn’t much for a team to be happy with. Despite a slow start, the ISU women’s softball team has already found its silver lining — improved play.

Last weekend, the Cyclones trudged away from the College of Charleston Cougar Classic in South Carolina with a 1-5 showing.

“We really anticipated being further ahead going into last weekend than where we were, but we got better as it went on. We’re seeing improvement, and that’s the key,” said ISU softball coach Ruth Crowe. “We have to continue to get better and not get hung up with our record.”

The Cyclones garnered their first win of the season last weekend, squeaking past Winthrop 1-0. Injuries to the pitching staff, with junior Kristen Karanzias not making the trip and sophomore Alyssa Ransom receiving a line drive to her pitching hand, left the team in some turmoil throughout the tournament.

Sophomore Katie Reichling accounted for much of the pitching duties until Ransom returned in Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Virginia Tech.

“Those troubles didn’t necessarily make us struggle, but it didn’t help,” Crowe said.

“I give Katie a lot of credit. She did more pitching than anticipated, and she really rose to the occasion.

“It’s just difficult when you don’t have a full staff and not everyone healthy, which is tough in tournaments with sometimes three games a day.”

Iowa State’s offense is led by Reichling and Misty Kimura, who are both hitting .333. Freshman Kristy Olsen has a .313 average. Seniors Cary Akins and Kimura pave the way with six hits apiece.

Senior Diana Reuter said she could see improvements through each game, and the team is ready to improve even more in all areas.

“We came out knowing that we have great talent, and that weekend showed that,” Reuter said. “We’re not down and out, we’re more determined to get better.”

Iowa State jumps coasts this weekend for the Fresno State Bulldog Classic in California, where it plays six games in four days. Teams in the lineup include No. 3 UCLA, as well as No. 24 Fresno State.

The Cyclones open play Thursday against Santa Clara, which is sporting an 8-8 record on the season. With a first-year coach, the Broncos have come on strong, winning three of their last four games. Iowa State follows with a game against Fresno State, that is 4-2 and has also claimed wins in three of its past four games.

Iowa State’s most challenging battle of the tournament may likely be found against UCLA, the reigning NCAA champion that is making waves to another title. Competing since January, the 8-2 Bruins are led by Krista Colburn, who is belting a .517 hitting average.

The Cyclones will attempt an upset at 5 p.m. Friday.

Iowa State closes out the tournament on Sunday against Mississippi, which has racked up a 13-5 standing.

“This weekend we’re right back in the frying pan with UCLA and Fresno, but we’re pretty even with the others,” said Crowe.

“We just need to focus on down the road and not on the past.”