Around the Bases: Marucci Desert Classic

Sophomore Sami Williams Slides into home after junior Sydney Stites hits a triple Sep. 23. The Cyclones defeated the Kirkwood Eagles 9-1.

Ivan Vega

Single

While Iowa State did go 4-1 in the Marucci Desert Classic, errors on part of the Cyclone’s defensive struggles stood out. Noted by head coach Jamie Pinkerton, defense will be a developmental due to the new chemistry and players. 

Double

All of the Cyclones pitchers played in this tournament. Freshman Julie Lewis saw her first full inning of action, pitching for the Cyclones in 2.2 innings, in the lost to Long Beach State 3-1 on Friday night. 

Savannah Sanders went for two wins in this tournament.

Being put in for relief in place of both starting pitchers Emma Hylen and Brianna Weilbacher, Sanders got the win against Nevada and BYU.

Hylen was the only pitcher to play a full game without being pulled, going for seven innings in the tournaments opener against Boise State.

Triple 

Last tournament, the Cyclones failed to come back from behind. But this tournament in Las Vegas saw the Cyclones come back from early deficits.

The Cyclones were down 2-0 against San Jose State, and slugged out to score four in the next inning. Eventually beating the Spartans 12-4. The Cyclones were in control after the third inning, comfortably being up 8-2, but not letting up, scoring four more. 

Against Nevada, the Cyclones struggled to keep the Wolfpack from scoring in the later innings, being up four runs, then tied at four runs. Closer to the end of the sixth inning, with the score of 5-5, the Montana transfer Sydney Stites hit a ball into right field, allowing Sami Williams to score the game winner.

Home Run 

Simple concept this weekend, offense, offense and more offense.

Weather conditions being in the high 50’s and low 60’s, it was an ideal condition for softball. 

The Cyclones went bat friendly in these conditions, combined for 40 hits over this tournament, the Cyclones batters were destined to score runs. 

Catcher Kaylee Bosworth homered in three consecutive games, tallying six RBIs over the weekend.

Williams had a home run against Long Beach State, being the only score of the game. 

Overall the Cyclones went for 4-1 in this Marucci Desert Classic, improving from their 2-3 record in the Kickin’ Chicken Classic.