The Iowa State softball team continued its fall season this weekend by traveling to Iowa City to play in a four-team tournament. The Cyclones posted a 1-2 record, earning a victory over Wisconsin-Green Bay. The team now stands 3-5 overall.

Michelle Junod came through with the game-winning RBI in the bottom of the seventh inning against Green Bay. Missy Danilson led off the inning with a walk and then promptly stole both second and third base before Junod’s clutch hit scored the game’s only run.

“We were kind of flat after losing our first two,” Danilson, a senior, said. “Their pitcher was pretty slow and we played down to their level. We were happy to win, but it was frustrating because we didn’t play up to our capabilities.”

ISU hurler Kristin Ferguson surrendered only three hits during the complete game shutout to record the 1-0 win.

ISU started off the day losing 7-5 to Illinois State. The Cyclones jumped off to a 4-1 lead with the help of seven errors, but the Redbirds were able to pull out the victory. ISU pitcher TeRay Warnecke was tabbed with the loss, her first of the year.

“I thought TeRay pitched outstandingly,” Coach Ruth Crowe said. “We just committed way too many errors.”

Freshman Kimi Yoshizawa led the team, going 3-4 at the bats. Jessica Polo and Erin Woods both went 2-3 with three doubles combined. Polo also had two RBIs.

In the second game, the Cyclones faced Iowa, a team that ISU had beaten just a week before.

“That was a big win for us,” Crowe said of last week’s victory. “They had made the College World Series last year and they were returning a very good team. They sent out their All-American pitcher [Debbie Balboa], and we were able to pull out the win.”

ISU was not as fortunate this time, falling 5-3.

The Hawkeyes jumped out front early, scoring two runs in the first. The Cyclones came roaring back in the third, scoring three runs.

ISU was able to hold the lead until the top of the seventh before faltering. Mandy Loushin pitched an impressive game, but still the team still registered a loss.

“I think we’re making progress as a team. Every weekend is a weekend to improve on all our aspects of the game,” Loushin said.

Crowe also said the team is moving in the right direction.

“I am really happy with the way the season is going so far,” Crowe said. “We are making mistakes, but they are youthful mistakes. They are mistakes that we can over come with some experience. We are trying to put things together. This is a learning opportunity and a chance for the people in this program to grow.”

Crowe is working with 11 players at new positions. Danilson said the team is beginning to work together.

“We are coming together really well,” she said. “The new players work hard and are enthusiastic. They are great players and we are gelling both on and off the field.”