The ISU softball team got its revenge against in-state rival Drake, thanks to a great offensive start. The Cyclones were able to even the series at 1-1 after falling to the Bulldogs on April 8.

The Cyclones opened the game with an offensive showcase in the first inning. After a leadoff single from Brittany Gomez, Lexi Slater hammered a two-run home run to put the Cyclones up 2-0. They weren’t done there as the next batter, Maddie Reese, launched a solo shot to move the score to 3-0.

The Cyclones would add two more runs when Nychole Antillon hit what should have been a routine single, but the throw was way off from the Bulldogs and the predictable play turned into a two-run double.

The lead would be extended even further in the second, with a little more help from the Bulldogs. It would be Reese again with what should have been a basic hit that turned into another two-run play for the Cyclones. 

The Cyclones’ defense was equally as important as their offense, with pitcher Stacy Roggentien dealing a great game. She went the distance and didn’t surrender a run until a hectic scramble in the fifth.

The Bulldogs were able to finally get on the board, but they did it with a very unconventional double steal. Tasha Alexander took off from first and beat the throw to second, while Kaitlyn Finneran took off from first and stole home. The crazy play cut the lead to 7-1.

Drake struck again in the sixth, when Hayley Nybo launched a solo home run to make it 7-2. The Cyclone defense came back together later that inning and held the Bulldogs scoreless for the rest of the game.

The Cyclones will have a quick turnaround and come back home to play Omaha at the Cyclone Sports Complex at 4 p.m. Wednesday.