The Cyclones took down UCF 2-0 in nine innings Thursday evening. A cloudy day in Orlando set the stage for a defensive battle, with both teams unable to score through the first eight innings. 

Pitchers dominate the day

The pitchers were the stars of the game. Freshman Abby Huhn got the start for the Cyclones, pitching the first four innings. Huhn was a force, only giving up two hits and a walk in the appearance. 

Sophomore pitcher Lauren Schurman entered the game to begin the fifth inning and continued the dominance. Finishing out the final five innings, she gave up a single hit and no runs. Schurman was credited the win after completion of the shutout.

Isabella Vega pitched the first eight innings for UCF before being pulled midway through the ninth after giving up a pair of runs. Despite the loss, it was a tremendous outing for Vega. She gave up a single hit in the first eight innings, dealing an astonishing 115 pitches.

An extra innings rally

After eight innings at 0-0, the Cyclones finally began to rally at the plate. A single from senior Angelina Allen, followed by a walk for junior Tatum Johnson, began the inning on a positive note. 

With runners in scoring position, sophomore Isabelle Nosan came up with a clutch double, driving both Allen and Johnson. The 2-0 lead held and secured the win for Iowa State.

The win pushes the Cyclones to 12-14 and 2-2 in conference play. They will look to continue their momentum in the rematch with UCF at 5 p.m. Friday. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.