The Iowa State softball team heads to Orlando for its second Big 12 series of the season to face the UCF Knights. The Cyclones enter the matchup at 11-14 (1-2 Big 12), while the Knights sit at 20-11-1 (3-3 Big 12).
The two programs have met eight times, with UCF holding a 6-2 advantage in the all-time series. In 2024, the Cyclones went 1-2 against the Knights, dropping the final two games.
Offensively, Iowa State averages 5.08 runs per game while allowing 5.76 runs per game. In Big 12 play, the Cyclones have averaged 4.66 runs per game, surrendering 5.66 runs per contest.
The lineup is anchored by freshman standouts Jessie Clemons (.405) and Sereniti Trice (.369), along with senior Angelina Allen (.346) and juniors Sydney Malott (.345) and Tatum Johnson (.340).
Power production has come from Malott (five HR), Clemons (four HR), Allen (four HR) and Johnson (three HR), while Clemons and Malott lead the team with 21 RBIs apiece, followed by junior Reagan Bartholomew (18 RBIs, 3 HR).
In the circle, sophomore Lauren Schurman (2.94 ERA) leads the staff, logging 62 innings—nearly double that of any other pitcher. Schurman has recorded 40 strikeouts to 25 walks, while junior Jaiden Ralston (34.2 IP, 27 K, 21 BB) provides additional experience. Freshmen Abby Huhn (3.28 ERA, 30.1 IP, 6 K) and Sami Potvin (4.77 ERA, 22 IP, 16 K) round out the rotation.
Defensively, the Cyclones rank third to last in the Big 12 in fielding percentage (.958), committing 29 errors, which is the sixth fewest in the Big 12 and have turned 13 double plays, also sixth best.
The Knights enter the series, scoring an average of 3.97 runs per game while allowing 2.91 runs per contest. In Big 12 action, they have posted 5.0 runs per game while giving up 4.5 runs per game.
Offensively, sophomore Sierra Humphreys (.391) leads the team in batting average. UCF has hit 14 home runs, with freshman Beth Damon leading the way with four home runs and 19 RBIs, followed by fellow freshman Izzy Mertes with 18 RBIs.
Pitching has been the Knights’ strength, ranking fifth in the Big 12 in ERA at 2.65 while sitting second in innings pitched (209) and third in strikeouts (192). They are led by senior Kaitlyn Felton (0.79 ERA, 62.1 IP, 32 K) and redshirt freshman Isabella Vega (1.34 ERA, 47 IP, 49 K). Freshman Yessenia Lopez (62.1 IP, 62 K) also plays a key role in the rotation.
Defensively, UCF ranks second to last in the conference in errors at 37, posts a .959 fielding percentage and has 11 double plays to its name.
Iowa State looks to secure its first Big 12 series win against a UCF squad that features an average offensive attack but a strong and well-rounded pitching staff.
The series opener is set at 5 p.m. Thursday. Friday’s game will begin at 5 p.m. as well, and Saturday’s is set to start at noon. All games will be streamed live on ESPN+.
