Iowa State used timely hitting and solid defense to hang on to a 3-2 victory. The Cyclones gathered six hits, with half of those going for extra bases.

Emma Hylen started in the circle for the second consecutive game in the series. Hylen gave up a walk and double in the first inning, leading to a Jayhawk run.

The Cyclones answered back after a Kelsey McFarland walk. She advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. Talyn Lewis traded places with McFarland after she drove an RBI double to the outfield wall.

On the very next pitch, Logan Schaben jacked a two-run home run over the left center field wall. The home run was the first of Schaben’s Iowa State career.

In the top of the third inning, Kansas took advantage of a fielding error and cut the lead to 3-2.

The Jayhawks were threatening to tie the game in the fourth inning with a runner on base with no outs. The damage was avoided with an Emma Hylen strikeout, followed by Kaylee Bosworth tossing out a baserunner.

The defense lended a hand to Hylen in the top of the fifth. Freshman Sami Williams helped roll a double play to empty the bases. The strong defense preserved the Iowa State lead.

The win ensures a spot for the Cyclones in next week’s Big 12 Tournament. The Cyclones finish the season Sunday at 12 p.m. with one final game against the Jayhawks.