The Iowa State softball team split a doubleheader with Creighton Wednesday in Omaha.

The Cyclones came out cold in the first game, losing 6-0, but bounced back in the second to claim a 2-0 victory.

Second baseman Robyn Riedler activated the bats for ISU with a single in the first inning of game one, but Creighton would silence any further offensive attempt until the fifth.

The Lady Jays took control in the second inning when Kellie Rivera ripped a solo home run.

They scored once again in the fourth off Erin Fraser’s RBI to grab a 2-0 advantage over ISU.

The Cyclones finally answered in the top of the fifth when third baseman Raven Coberg smacked a double, and center fielder Missy Danilson followed with a single.

But Creighton’s solid defense ended the rally and initiated one of its own.

In the top of the fifth inning, the Lady Jays stunned ISU, nailing four hits and earning three runs.

A passed ball sent one more across the plate to widen the scoring gap, 6-0.

The Cyclones remained lifeless as the game drew to a close, and Creighton sealed the victory.

Senior pitcher Debbie Nease endured the loss, giving up eight hits, walking none, and striking out four.

But ISU swallowed the tough defeat and retaliated in the second game. Debbie Nease and Robyn Riedler each contributed singles in the contest, and catcher Brenna Miller turned out a leadership performance, notching an RBI and two key hits.

Miller launched a home run in the second inning to merit a 1-0 advantage, and the Cyclones struck again in the seventh.

Following Miller’s double, Coberg landed a sacrifice bunt to advance Miller, who then scored off the first baseman’s error. ISU held the Lady Jays and pulled out the 2-0 win.

Nease again took the mound in the second game shutout, striking out five batters, allowing six hits, and walking just one.

ISU Head Coach Ruth Crowe said, in spite of respectable performances from Nease and Miller, her team didn’t work to her level of expectation.

“Debbie Nease did an excellent job, and [Brenna] Miller did well in the second game, but we just didn’t play very well overall,” she said. “We were lucky to win the second game.”

She said the team needs to strike a balance, to find “that consistent middle ground, offensively.”

Crowe said she looks forward to Saturday’s doubleheader with conference rival Nebraska.

“I think it’s a big doubleheader for us,” she said.

“We’re excited to get back on track, and I really feel we’ll come together.”

The Cyclones defend their home field this weekend against Nebraska and travel to Minnesota on April 8.