The Iowa State softball team started the Wilson Invitational on a strong note, defeating Oregon State 5-1 in its opening game Friday.
The Cyclones struck first in the third inning with a sacrifice fly, followed by an RBI single to take a 2-0 lead. In the fifth, they added two more runs, one on a bases-loaded walk and another on a sacrifice fly.
Iowa State capped off its scoring in the seventh with a two-out RBI double. Oregon State managed to avoid the shutout with a two-out RBI double of its own in the bottom half of the seventh inning.
Offensively, the Cyclones collected seven hits, drew three walks and had one hit-by-pitch, converting those opportunities into five runs.
Freshman Jessie Clemons led the team with two hits, while five other Cyclones recorded one hit each. Sophomore Isabelle Nosan drove in two runs, with Clemons, junior Sydney Malott and junior Reagan Bartholomew each adding an RBI.
Senior Angelina Allen crossed the plate twice, while junior Tatum Johnson, freshman Sereniti Trice, and freshman Hayleigh Oliver each scored once. The Cyclones capitalized on all three of their chances with a runner on third and no outs.
Pitching and defense set the tone for Iowa State. Sophomore Lauren Schurman and junior Jaiden Ralston combined to hold Oregon State to five hits and one run, each allowing two walks and striking out one.
The Beavers struggled to generate offense, putting 17 balls in play, as the Cyclone defense was flawless, posting a perfect fielding percentage.
Iowa State looks to build on its momentum at 6:30 p.m. Saturday against Long Beach State, followed by two games Sunday versus Southern Utah at 11 a.m. and California at 1:30 p.m.
