The ISU softball team finished up its fall schedule in fashion this past weekend, at home, with a pair of wins.

After Saturday’s games against Minnesota and Kirkwood Community College were rained out, the team rebounded to two shutout victories over Minnesota State and Ellsworth Community College 6-0 and 8-0.

The wins upped the team’s fall record to 10-2. Juniors Jen Bice and Erica Martinez recorded the victories for the Cyclones.

Junior Molly McNertey said she was happy with the way the team played.

“This weekend we really played well as a team,” she said. “That is what we will need this spring.”

Their record will now be wiped clean as the team will use the winter to prepare for the spring season that begins inFebruary.

Head coach Ruth Crowe said this season will depend strongly on the development of the younger players.

“The kids coming in have done well,” she said. “We have played well as a team this fall considering how young we are. It is still very early to predict what will happen in the spring.”

Crowe said she looks to Bice and Martinez as well as junior Adi Blackmon for leadership this season. Bice and Martinez will anchor the pitching staff.

“Both Bice and Martinez are coming into their own. They are seasoned a little more, and we will count on them,” Crowe said. “We also will return the middle of our infield, which will help us a lot on defense.”

Bice said she feels good about the upcoming season and the team the Cyclones will have.

“I feel good about this team,”she said. “We have seven new players, and the fall season has helped us all get to know each other. It gives a good idea of what we have to work on.”