From Feb. 26-28, the Iowa State softball team took on the GCU Purple Classic in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Cyclones went 4-1 on the weekend and are now 13-2 after the first three weekends of the season.

On Friday, the Cyclones took on Portland State and Grand Canyon University (GCU). 

In the matchup versus Portland State, the Cyclones were down 4-0 in the 1st inning until senior Sami Williams hit a homer.

Williams capitalized in this game as she homered again later on to give ISU the lead.

Her offense allowed the Cyclones to take these games, even if it was later on.

Williams’ offense didn’t stop.

To start off the game versus GCU, Williams hit another home run. This momentum impacted other Cyclone players.

Senior Logan Schaben brought the bats for the Cyclones. She homered in the third to make the lead 4-2 and then stole a base shortly after.

Senior leadership stands true for the Cyclones with two offensive performances from Williams and Schaben within the first two games of the tournament.

Day two of the GCU Purple Classic brought more offense for the Cyclones. After defeating Portland State 10-6 on Friday, the Cyclones beat the Vikings again, 13-2.

Junior Mikayla Ramos took center stage as she hit a single to start off the Cyclone scoring early and she hit a homer in the third.

Freshman Alyssa Orr also homered which ended up finishing the game for the Cyclones.

The challenge in the tournament for the Cyclones came versus 13th ranked Arizona State. The Sun Devils offense was hot from the start.

With singles and homers left and right for the Sun Devils, the Cyclone defensive and offensive efforts were quiet, until Williams homered to center field to get the Cyclones on the board.

The offense for Arizona State was too much for the Cyclones even with another Williams homer. The Cyclones lost to Arizona State 8-3.

To finish off the GCU Purple Classic, the Cyclones competed on Sunday. The team beat GCU 13-7.

The Cyclones got the bats going on Saturday against GCU. Ramos tripled to extend the Cyclone lead in the 2nd inning.

Sophomore Carli Spelhaug had an offensive outing with two RBIs. Williams, freshman Milaysia Ochoa, sophomore Alesia Ranches, and sophomore Lea Nelson tacked on two RBIs for the Cyclones each in this game as well.

The team will be back at it this weekend at the UT-Arlington Boerner Invitational in Arlington, Texas.