The Iowa State Softball team opened up its fall season this weekend with the Iowa State Softball Invitational.

In this two day tournament the Cyclones racked up four wins in their first four games of the season.

“The fall season gives us a chance to try different combinations of players and let everyone get some playing time,” said Head Coach Ruth Crowe.

On Saturday, ISU managed a 3-1 victory over Kirkwood Community College despite collecting only two hits. Freshman Kristin Shipley had one of those hits and also collected an RBI for the Cyclones.

Junior Lisa Frank went 1-2 and scored a run. Frank also made a spectacular catch in centerfield, robbing a Kirkwood player of an extra base hit with runners on base.

Sophomore pitchers Tacy Riddle and Kristin Ferguson took care of the pitching duties and combined on a four-hitter.

ISU bats came alive in its second game Saturday as they defeated the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

The Cyclones pounded out 16 hits en route to a 10-1 victory. This win came after these teams split a pair of games last season.

Once again, Frank lead the offense by going 3-4 with two runs scored and two stolen bases. The only senior on the squad, Erin Woods, was a perfect 2-2 at the plate.

Jessica Polo, Kimi Yoshizawa and Laura Browning each collected two hits. Junior pitcher Mandy Loushin picked up the win by allowing only four hits and striking out four.

This was an important game for ISU because it showed the potential of its offense.

“After the first game we became more aggressive at the plate,” Crowe said. “We didn’t hit well as a team last season and needed to show improvement.”

On Sunday, the Cyclones began with a 6-2 victory over Mankato State.

Junior Cinnamon Gooding and Shipley each collected two hits, and Yoshizawa went an impressive 3-3.

Ferguson took care of the pitching once again and allowed only five hits while putting down four Maverick hitters on strikes.

The Cyclones met up with Kirkwood once again in the final game of the tournament.

ISU redeemed its poor hitting in the first game by hammering out 12 hits in a convincing 10-2 win.

“This season we have more offensive depth,” Crowe said. “We have a good mix of hitting and speed which allows us to put the ball in play and get on base.”

That offensive depth showed as five different Cyclones collected two hits apiece.

Woods was 2-3 with two runs scored, including a three-run homer. Frank continued her outstanding hitting by going 2-3.

Shipley, along with junior Michelle Junod and sophomore Sarah Kinney, also ended up with two hits.

Loushin was on the hill again and allowed only five hits in picking up the win.

“Overall, I was pleased with our play this weekend,” Coach Crowe said. “However, we do need to improve on our pitching.”

ISU has many new faces on the team this season, and these games allow them to gain some valuable playing time.

Crowe mentioned how Shipley and Browning, along with freshmen Alexis Quijano, Dana Bono and Amy Crittenden, all performed well this weekend.

This young team possesses excellent speed, which is something Crowe really appreciates. “Our speed allows us to steal bases, bunt and perform hit-and-runs.”

Next weekend, the Cyclones will participate in the Iowa Tournament, which features several Big 10 teams. ISU will compete against the likes of Iowa, Northwestern and Wisconsin.

If the Cyclones maintain their intensity, they can carry their momentum from this weekend into Iowa City and hopefully continue their winning ways.

“The competition is definitely tougher,” said Crowe said. “It will continue to increase as the season progresses.”