The Cyclone softball team suffered two losses, 4-2 and 1-0, against the University of Texas Sunday in Austin, Texas.

The Longhorns took charge of the first game, scoring a run in the first and second innings.

Iowa State responded in the third inning when first baseman Erin Woods cranked a double and advanced to third on second baseman Robyn Riedler’s single. Woods then stole home to tighten the score, 2-1.

In the bottom of the third, Texas pounded three hits to send two more across the plate.

The game remained scoreless until the sixth inning. Starting pitcher Debbie Nease singled, while third baseman Raven Coberg and center fielder Missy Danilson both reached on a fielder’s choice. With the bases loaded, right fielder Mindy Penrod singled on a bunt to score Nease.

ISU again sparked a rally in the seventh inning with two outs, when Riedler and shortstop Jessica Polo nailed a pair of singles.

But Texas pitcher Christy Guidorizzi shut down the Cyclones to end the contest, 4-2.

Nease took the loss, dropping her record to 7-6.

In the first three innings, she struck out three and allowed three hits before Courtney Dully came in relief.

Dully finished the last four innings, striking out five and allowing three hits.

The second game was deadlocked until the sixth inning, despite a steady offensive effort from the Cyclones.

In the bottom of the sixth, Longhorn second baseman Jodi Reeves ended the scoring drought with a triple.

After a fielder’s choice and an intentional walk, Texas loaded the bases and scored on a sacrifice.

The Cyclones were unable to answer.

ISU finished with five hits. Woods led the bats with two singles, and Riedler, Miller and Danilson chipped in a single each.

Pitcher Courtney Dully, who struck out six and allowed just one hit, took the loss. Her record falls to 5-6.

Cyclone Head Coach Ruth Crowe said her team’s weak offensive effort contributed to both losses.

“We had really good pitching and good defense, but we just struggled offensively,” she said. “It didn’t allow us to put pressure on them.”

ISU slips to 12-12 and 1-3 in the Big 12, while Texas improves to 21-12 and 3-1 in the conference.

The Cyclones travel to Creighton on April 2 and return home for a conference doubleheader against Nebraska on April 5.