The Iowa State softball team started Senior Weekend strong with a run-rule victory over Big 12 newcomer UCF.
Swift hitting and strong pitching all around for the Cyclones was capped off by a five-run fifth inning to seal the game.
This is the first conference win for Iowa State since its upset over Oklahoma State on April 13. The win improves the Cyclones to a 20-28 record overall and 6-16 in the Big 12.
Karlie Charles shuts down UCF from the circle
It was a near-perfect day for Karlie Charles. The right-handed pitcher played all five innings and gave up just one hit.
This was the least amount of hits this season Charles has given up in a game when pitching two or more innings.
In all, Charles threw 51 pitches in five innings, 41 of which were strikes. Charles totaled three strikeouts on the big day.
Hitters connect all day
Iowa State had one of its best showings on the offensive side Friday. The Cyclones had 22 at-bats and recorded 11 hits.
Left fielder Angelina Allen went 3-for-3 with an RBI, which brought the hit total up to 71 on the season. Right fielder Tiana Poole also was perfect from the batter’s box, going 2-for-2.
The other two of the hits for Iowa State were home runs, including the walk-off homer that forced the run rule.
Alesia Ranches calls game
Senior Alesia Ranches had a personal best game of the season against the Golden Knights. The shortstop went 2-for-3 in the box, but it was the second connection that drew all the attention.
Up 4-0 entering the fifth inning, Iowa State started with a single from Poole, followed promptly by a home run from Maddie Knowles to put the Cyclones up by six.
After the two-run shot from Knowles, a walk from McKenna Andrews and a double by Allen had runners on second and third for Iowa State.
Ranches was up to bat next and blasted the three-run homer that sealed the game for the Cyclones. It was a sixth home run of the season and gave Iowa State the win.
Iowa State and UCF will clash in game two of the three-game series at 1 p.m. Saturday. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+
