The Iowa State softball team won seven of its last ten games the past week to improve to 12-14 overall.

Following the Florida State tournament, the Cyclones set the tone for the rest of the week by capturing back-to-back wins over Virginia. ISU won the first game by a score of 6-4 and then won a tight 2-1 pitching duel in the second game.

“I think the sweep over Virginia was a turning point for us,” head coach Ruth Crowe said.

ISU defeated Florida A&M the next day by the same score of 2-1 before dropping the second game. The Cyclones forced Florida A&M into extra innings before losing by a score of 5-4 in the ninth.

Two days later, ISU traveled north to participate in the Missouri tournament. Despite a home run by team leader Erin Woods, the Cyclones were defeated by Indiana, 3-4.

“We had some hits, but we also had some costly errors against Indiana, and that is why we lost,” Crowe said.

ISU would take out a little frustration in the next game by pounding Western Michigan, 5-0.

“Overall, our hitting has been the most consistent part of our game,” Crowe said, “and our defense is definitely improving.”

Illinois State, the next opponent for ISU was in for a rude awakening. Cyclone Cinnamon Gooding connected on the first pitch that was thrown to her for a game-winning three-run dinger.

“It’s always nice when you put in a pinch hitter and she hits a home run. It also makes the coach look good,” Crowe joked.

Lisa Frank also played an outstanding game by going 3-for-4, while Mandy Loushin took the mound to collect the win.

The Cyclones dropped their next contest to Tulsa by a score of 7-3 despite 2-for-3 performances at the plate from Lauren Cathey and Kimi Yoshizawa. ISU was then slated to face intrastate rival Northern Iowa.

“Anytime you play an in-state team, you obviously want to win,” Crowe said.

The Cyclones did not disappoint as they trounced the Panthers, 9-3. Once again, Cathey led the way by collecting three hits. Jessica Polo also went 3 for 4, while Woods was a solid 2 for 3. Kristin Ferguson picked up the win by allowing only three runs.

“Our pitching is getting better, and we thought that it would be one of our strengths because both of our pitchers are back from last year,” Crowe said. “We are working to get them back, and once we do we should be more consistent as a team.”

Ferguson was stellar on the mound in the final game of the tournament. The right-handed sophomore pitched a gem against Loyola by giving up only one hit to collect the shutout.

Neither team hit the ball especially well, but Woods came through with a three run shot to lead the Cyclones to a 4-0 victory.

“As long as we can get good pitching and solid hitting, we should be all right this season,” Crowe said.

Iowa State resumes action on Saturday when it travels to Texas to begin Big 12 competition.