The Iowa State softball team competed in its third and fourth games at the Mardi Gras Mambo in Monroe, Louisiana, securing back-to-back mercy-rule victories.
The Cyclones dominated Southern University with an 8-0 win in five innings, followed by a 10-2 triumph over Houston Christian University. With the sweep, Iowa State improved to 8-9 on the season.
Southern recap
The Cyclones came out swinging against the Lady Jaguars, scoring three runs in the first inning before adding five unanswered—one in the third, three in the fourth, and another in the fifth—to seal the mercy-rule victory.
Iowa State’s offense racked up 12 hits, including five extra-base hits, with four Cyclones recording multi-hit performances. Freshman Sereniti Trice led the charge with three hits, two runs scored, and two stolen bases. Junior Reagan Bartholomew added to her home run tally with a solo shot in the third inning, while sophomore Paige Zender delivered a two-RBI single in the first to set the tone.
The Cyclones were aggressive on the base paths, swiping four stolen bases and turning those opportunities into three runs. Freshman Jessie Clemons contributed an RBI double in the fourth inning, and junior Tatum Johnson followed with an RBI double in the fifth.
Sophomore Lauren Schurman earned the win in the circle, throwing four scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and striking out five with no walks. Freshman Abby Huhn closed out the game, recording three outs while facing four batters. Defensively, Iowa State committed just one error, which had no impact on the scoreboard.
Houston Christian recap
Iowa State’s offense was quiet through five innings, managing just two hits as the game remained tied 2-2. The Cyclones scored their first two runs on a wild pitch and a bases-loaded walk. Then, in the sixth inning, Iowa State exploded for eight runs, putting the game away via the mercy rule.
The Cyclones finished with nine hits, seven of which came in their game-breaking sixth inning. Five of those were extra-base hits, including doubles from senior Angelina Allen and Clemons, and home runs from Bartholomew, Johnson and Zender. Clemons led the team with three RBIs, while Bartholomew and Zender each drove in two.
Sophomore Aziza Rodriguez got the start, allowing five hits and one earned run over 2.1 innings. Huhn followed with 2.2 innings, surrendering four hits and one earned run. Schurman entered in the sixth to shut down the Huskies, tossing a clean 1-2-3 inning to secure the win. Iowa State’s defense was flawless, committing no errors and even turning a double play.
The Cyclones will look to carry their momentum into their finale at the Mardi Gras Mambo against Grambling State at 10 a.m. Sunday.
