The ISU softball squad began its 2005 campaign with the chance to upset two ranked opponents but came away from the UNLV Invitational 0-3.

The Cyclones opened the tournament in Las Vegas on Thursday by facing host UNLV, who bowled over Iowa State 10-1. UNLV bombarded Iowa State’s defense in the second inning with six runs, all with just one out in the inning. UNLV tallied four more in the fifth, securing its lead.

Iowa State produced hits from Jessica Quade, Cary Akins and Katie Reichling in the loss.

The lone run for the Cyclones came from senior Kim Rodgers, who advanced home from second on a single to left field from Quade.

Friday’s games against Southern Illinois and Michigan State were canceled because of weather, leaving Iowa State to plunge straight into Saturday’s games against No. 1 California and No. 16 Florida.

The Cyclones never got a chance to test their wings against California, as the Bears jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after two innings, then added one more each in the fourth and seventh for a 5-0 victory.

The best chance for an ISU run came when senior Misty Kimura reached third on an error, but she was thrown out at home plate.

Kimura ended the contest with two hits, including her first double of the season.

Despite a dismal start against Florida that included the Gators knocking in two runs in the first inning, the top of the fourth added a glimpse of what Iowa State is capable of.

Freshman Kristy Olsen showed a promising view of the future with her first collegiate home run, a shot to left-center field. Sophomore catcher Ashley Killeen made it back-to-back shots with her own yard ball, evening the score at two apiece.

The score was tied until the sixth inning when Florida tacked on two runs and secured the 4-2 win. Killeen and fellow sophomore Jennifer Bigbee garnered a hit each, and Olsen earned two.

The Cyclones venture to South Carolina next weekend for the College of Charleston Cougar Classic, where the squad will take on Virginia Tech at 10 a.m. Friday, followed by Pittsburgh at 2 p.m. Iowa State will face Winthrop at 2 p.m. Saturday and take on College of Charleston at 4 p.m.

— ISU Media Relations contributed to this article.