The ISU softball squad opened its home season with a bang, defeating North Dakota State twice in a doubleheader Tuesday night at the Southwest Athletic Complex.

“We were very optimistic, and our energy level was up for both games,” said ISU junior Cary Akins.

Teammate Katie Reichling said the team got off to a slow start but perked up in time.

“People started stepping up and the energy was contagious,” she said.

The first game quickly found Iowa State in hot water, as North Dakota State’s second batter took her first pitch in the first inning over the center-field wall for an early lead.

The Cyclones responded quickly as leadoff hitter Kim Rodgers was hit by a pitch from freshman Allison Bakke, and after two consecutive outs, Reichling blasted her first home run of the year to right field, putting Iowa State up 2-1.

The Bison loaded the bases in the next inning, setting up Heather Hyatt’s single which gave North Dakota State a two-run lead. The teams were at a stalemate until the Cyclones opened up in a pivotal sixth inning.

ISU catcher Ashley Killeen started the bottom of the sixth with a double to right center, who was followed onto base by Jessica Quade when she was struck by a pitch.

Stephanie Mosley and Kristen Karanzias replaced the twosome on the bases, and Mosley was quickly sent home on a line drive down the right-field line by Reichling.

Akins added to the hitting barrage with a shallow single to right, sending Karanzias home. North Dakota State did not produce in the final inning, giving the Cyclones a 4-3 win.

“We were lucky we got the win,” said ISU head coach Ruth Crowe. “Being home and playing in front of fans made us really tight, but we did a good job and battled for the win. Katie had a huge game for us.”

Alyssa Ransom earned her sixth win of the year, striking out three while giving up four hits.

The win got the Cyclones’ momentum rolling for the second game, dominating the Bison with a 6-1 trouncing in five innings before the game was called for darkness.

Reichling was at the helm for Iowa State and gave up a run in the first inning. Again, though, Iowa State responded quickly.

The Bison moved pitcher Bekki Rasmussen to the mound and Rodgers responded immediately, knocking a triple to center. Two batters later, Reichling’s infield grounder scored Rodgers, evening the score.

In the next inning, Akins reached second on a wild throw to first. Fallon Johnson came through with a single to right, which put Akins at third. Johnson stole second to put two runners in scoring position until Rodgers sailed a hit over the Bison second baseman. Akins and Johnson both scored for the 3-1 lead.

The third inning was senior Diana Reuter’s time to shine, belting a yard ball over the left-center wall to score Reichling and Kristy Olsen, who both reached on walks. The hit put the Cyclones up 6-1, carrying them to the victory.

“The second game was a little better, and we had more hits and more people contributing,” Crowe said. “Diana’s hit really took North Dakota State out of the game, and she made some really key plays for us at third base.”

The Cyclones protect home field again on Thursday, taking on intrastate rival Drake at 3 p.m. The Bulldogs are 11-10 overall and 3-3 in the Missouri Valley Conference.

“Drake is very good, near the top in the Missouri Valley, and it will be a tough challenge for us,” Crowe said.