AMES – Iowa State softball faced a tough 2024 season, finishing 20-31 overall and 6-18 in Big 12 play.
The Cyclones ranked last in several key offensive categories, including batting average, runs scored and strikeouts.
The team also struggled with a high ERA on the pitching side, allowing too many hits and finishing near the bottom in strikeouts.
Determined to move forward, the Cyclones hit the reset button during the 2024 fall season, showing progress and renewed confidence.
The Cyclones finished the fall slate with a 6-2 record, scoring 10 or more runs in six of their eight games. Defensively, they never allowed more than six runs in any game. Iowa State’s only losses came in close contests against Minnesota and in-state rival Drake.
Head coach Jamie Pinkerton emphasized the importance of early competition.
“We’ve been practicing for four weeks now. It’s time to go out and play someone else,” Pinkerton said. “It’s gonna be fun to get a new look at our team.”
During the offseason, Pinkerton focused on preparing the team mentally and physically, building off the fall season’s lessons.
“We’ve been reiterating the system with the newcomers and working on what was successful in the fall while improving on the things that didn’t go well,” Pinkerton said.
Junior transfer infielders Reagan Bartholomew and Sydney Malott made significant contributions in the fall and their experience has already proven valuable.
“We’re excited about all of our players,” Pinkerton said. “Obviously, Malott and Bartholomew, with previous college experience, are known commodities after looking at film. They’ve been great.”
Pinkerton also stressed the importance of giving everyone a chance to contribute early in the season.
“We’re going to try to get all of them some action and see where they’re at,” Pinkerton said.
With all their preparation thus far, the Cyclones aim to secure a spot in the postseason.
“Our goal is to make the postseason,” Pinkerton said. “We had some injuries that held us back last year, but we’ve been there before. We’ve always finished around fourth or fifth in the standings. This year, we’re trying to get into the middle of the pack and earn an NCAA bid.”
As the season opener nears, Pinkerton has worked to ensure the team is sharp and ready for competition.
“This past week, we’ve been installing the game plan for our first three games,” Pinkerton said. “It’s a tournament style, so we’ll play three games, get seeded, then seeds one through four play. The winners advance to the championship, and the losers play for consolation. We’ll play five games total.”
Iowa State opens its 2025 campaign at the Felsberg Invitational in Miami.
The Cyclones will face Stony Brook at 11:30 a.m. and FIU at 4:30 p.m. Friday, followed by a matchup against Indiana at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.
The final two games will be determined based on seeding, with the second Saturday matchup scheduled for 2 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. Saturday. The championship and consolation games will take place at 8 or 10:30 a.m. Sunday.
