Iowa State’s softball team took game two of a three-game series with Kansas on Saturday, beating the Jayhawks 4-3 in eight innings in Lawrence, Kansas.

The win moves the Cyclones to 23-29 on the year, and 4-13 in Big 12 play.

The Cyclones started off hot with a two-run homer from senior infielder Nychole Antillon in the top of the first. It was Antillon’s seventh home run of the season. 

After a scoreless second inning, the Cyclones added to their lead with a solo homer from junior catcher Kaylee Bosworth, her seventh of the year as well. Through three innings, Iowa State led 3-0. 

After holding Kansas scoreless through the fourth, the Jayhawks broke through in the fifth inning with a three-run spurt, tying the game up at three with two innings to play. 

Junior Emma Hylen pitched two scoreless innings in relief of starter Savannah Sanders and only allowed two hits, striking out one, and the Cyclones forced extra innings. 

In the top of the eighth, freshman outfielder Skyler Ramos scored the go-ahead run for the Cyclones after a wild pitch from Jayhawks reliever Brynn Minor. Heading into the bottom of the eighth, Iowa State held a 4-3 lead. 

Hylen and the Cyclones defense held firm, giving up two singles but keeping the Jayhawks off the board. Kansas infielder Amanda Organ was the final out of the game, with junior Taylor Nearad catching the Jayhawk senior’s fly ball in centerfield to seal the win for Iowa State.

With the victory, Iowa State has guaranteed itself a spot at the Big 12 Championship in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, which takes place Friday, May 11 through Saturday, May 12. 

The Cyclones will finish their series with Kansas tomorrow at Arrocha Ballpark at Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence, Kansas. First pitch is scheduled for noon.