The Cyclones faced adversity in their first doubleheader of the season, but were ultimately able to overcome it.

To kick off the two-game set, the Cyclones squared off in a rematch against Utah State. The rematch can be summed up in three words — hot and cold.

The Cyclones jumped out to a 2-0 lead by the way of sophomore Rachel Hartman’s three-run homer in the first inning. Iowa State extended its lead to 6-1 in the second after senior Maddie Reese smashed a home run of her own, driving in two runs. freshman Kelsey McFarland also scored in the second frame, driven home by senior Lexi Slater.

After the hot start, the Cyclones cooled off quickly.

From the start of third inning to the top of the sixth inning, the Aggies were able to muster five runs, tying the game at six, until McFarland stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the sixth.

The bases were loaded when McFarland blasted a grand slam to propel the Cyclones back into the lead, 10-6.

The Aggies scored in the seventh inning, making the final tally 10-7 in favor of the Cyclones.

Iowa State continued its hot streak in game two of the doubleheader against South Dakota State.

Unlike Iowa State’s hot play, the drama from the day’s first contest did not carry into the second. The Cyclones held their opponent scoreless, downing the Jack Rabbits 6-0.

Junior Brittany Gomez kicked off the scoring for the Cyclones when she was driven home by sophomore Rachel Hartman in the first inning. The Cyclones then went scoreless until senior Jorden Spendlove hit a double to drive in Reese and fellow senior Hayley Womack, pushing the lead to 3-0. 

Iowa State continued its scoring ways in the fifth when Reese drilled a 3-run homer over the wall to advance the lead to 6-0.

The Cyclones play the Jack Rabbits 11:30 a.m. Feb. 8 at the Bergstrom Football Complex to end the Cyclone Invitational.