The Iowa State softball team had its home opener Friday as it faced No. 1 Oklahoma. The Cyclones could not claim the win as they fell 3-0, making them 11-15 on the season.

Pitching struggles early give Oklahoma early lead

Senior Ellie Spelhaug got the start for Iowa State on Friday as it looked to dethrone the Sooners who are currently ranked No. 1 in the country. It ended up not going the Cyclones’ way, as Spelhaug left two runners on for freshman Jaiden Ralston in the second.

Both of those runs would eventually score as a double and a fielder’s choice gave Oklahoma the 2-0 lead. Junior Saya Swain came in for relief of Ralston in the third as she held the Sooners down by only giving up three hits and one run while striking out four in three and two-thirds innings pitched.

The pitching did well overall considering they faced a team of Oklahoma’s caliber, who has been a dominant powerhouse all year long.

Oklahoma pitching shuts out Cyclones

Iowa State’s offense did not get anything going all game as it managed to put up a single hit on the day. Oklahoma’s starter was Senior Alex Storako as she was dominant all game as she shut down this Cyclones offense all day.

Storako went the distance as she pitched all seven innings for Oklahoma. The only hit came from Senior shortstop Alesia Ranches as she hit a single in the second inning. The team will look to improve on offense Saturday during the doubleheader against the Sooners.

Doubleheader on Saturday to finish off the weekend

Iowa State looks to now bounce back after a home opener that did not end in its favor against the best team in the nation.

The Cyclones will play a doubleheader against Oklahoma starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, which will then be followed by the second game of the day which is currently slated for 3:30 p.m.