The ISU softball team faces its last road challenge of the year when the team travels to Waco, Texas, to take on No. 16 Baylor.

Iowa State enters the Big 12 matchup after suffering a loss at the hands of Omaha. In that game, Iowa State surrendered nine runs and 13 hits against Omaha, while making four pitching changes.

The Cyclones open their three-game series against the Bears at 6:30 p.m. on April 24. They then play at noon on April 25 and April 26.

If the Cyclones want to beat the Bears, they will need to improve their pitching as the Bears have been averaging 5.5 runs and 8.5 hits per game in Big 12 play.

“We need to make sure our arms are refreshed,” said senior pitcher Stacy Roggentien. “And to make sure we can execute and sharpen our pitches.”

The Bears have also had an impressive batting average of .324 against conference competition. If the Cyclones are able to limit the Bears offense, the game could tilt in the Cyclones’ favor.

Improved pitching is not the only concern for Iowa State.

The Cyclones will have to deal with the second best pitching staff in the Big 12, which will put offense at a premium. This season, Baylor has allowed an impressive 5.7 hits and three runs per game. Both of those are below Iowa State’s pitching averages of 7.6 hits and 4.2 runs per game.

“We need to be more aggressive while batting,” said junior outfielder Brittany Gomez. “We haven’t been as aggressive [lately], and that has really hurt us as a team.”

The Cyclones will have to come out attacking against this formidable Bears pitching rotation, beginning with Baylor starter Heather Stearns. Gomez, who is leading the Big 12 in hits with 66, will have the opportunity to take on Stearns, who leads the Big 12 in strikeouts at 173 in this three-game road test — making for a compelling matchup. 

“We can’t allow [Stearns] to get two strikes on us,” said head coach Stacy Gemeinhardt-Cesler. “Because if we do allow her, then she will definitely strike us out.”