Iowa State will attempt to get back to a winning way as the team opens up its Big 12 home schedule against Oklahoma State.

The Cyclones roll into the upcoming three-game series on a four-game losing streak. Three of those losses came at the hands of Oklahoma, as the Cowgirls’ trio of victories against the Cyclones came by a combined score of 28-5. The fourth ISU defeat was perpetrated Drake, which upended the ISU team by a score of 6-3.

In those four losses, the Cyclones only mustered 18 hits. Iowa State understands that to turn around its recent losing trend, the team must recapture its offense against Oklahoma State.

“We just have to go back to the team that we are,” said junior designated hitter Aly Cappaert. “If we just go back to the team that we are, then I believe we will have no problem beating Oklahoma State.”

In Iowa State’s 19 wins this season, the Cyclones average 9.4 hits per game. During Iowa State’s current losing streak, the team has been averaging only half that mark, tallying a meager 4.5 hits per game. If the Cyclones want to beat the Cowgirls the recipe is simple — they will need to bring their bats.

Iowa State’s hopes for a turnaround will face a challenge in the form of Oklahoma State’s Shelby Davis. When Davis is on base, it is a near-guarantee that she will try to steal a base or two, as she leads the nation with 43 stolen bases in 34 games.

ISU head coach Stacy Gemeinhardt-Cesler is confident that when Davis is on base, Iowa State will keep her in check.

“[Davis] is definitely a great player,” Gemeinhardt-Cesler said. “But junior catcher Sammie Hildreth has a great arm and I am looking forward to see what happens if or when Davis gets off base.”

Davis’ stealing ability will be one of the key factors that determines the outcome in the three-game series along with the ISU bats.

“We just look forward in going out there and beating them.” said senior shortstop Lexi Slater.

Iowa State opens up against Oklahoma State at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Cyclone Sports Complex.

The Cyclones then play the Cowgirls at noon on both Sunday and Monday at the Cyclone Sports Complex.