The Oklahoma State softball team is coming off a bye period this week, but has seen several shakeups as of late.
AMES, IA — Oklahoma State Cowgirl softball encountered major scheduling disruptions this week.
The team was set to travel to Wichita State on Wednesday, April 8, to complete a makeup inning from an earlier game in Stillwater postponed by weather. Afterward, they were scheduled to play a full nine-inning contest against the Shockers.
Tragically, while en route on Interstate 35 in Noble County, Oklahoma, the OSU team bus was involved in a serious accident. No one on the Oklahoma State bus was injured, but the collision resulted in the death of a pedestrian who was running in and out of traffic. Due to the incident, the entire slated contest against Wichita State has been postponed, with no rescheduled date or time announced yet.
Attention now turns to a three-game Big 12 series against Iowa State in Ames. Originally planned for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the series was adjusted due to forecasted inclement weather. Saturday’s Game 2 has been moved up to Friday, April 10, creating a doubleheader. Game 1 is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT, with Game 2 following approximately 30 minutes after the first game ends.
Sunday’s series finale remains at noon CT. All games will stream on ESPN+ and air on the Varsity Network.
Looking ahead to this weekend’s series against Iowa State:
— No. 19/20 Oklahoma State (25-10, 7-5 Big 12) vs. Iowa State (23-15, 4-8 Big 12)
Oklahoma State has a balanced attack and strong pitching. Senior outfielder Claire Timm leads offensively with a .379 batting average, .477 on-base percentage, and 1.143 OPS, including five home runs and 23 RBIs in 34 games.
On the mound, ace senior Ruby Meylan (15-6, 2.29 ERA, 136 strikeouts in 134.2 innings) is expected to start Game 1 of the doubleheader. She has earned multiple Big 12 Pitcher of the Week honors and provides elite strikeout ability. Bullpen depth from pitchers like RyLee Crandall will be needed against Iowa State.
Iowa State features a potent top of the order. Shortstop Reagan Bartholomew has been outstanding at .444 with 11 home runs, 40 runs scored, 31 RBIs, and a 1.370 OPS. Outfielder Tatum Johnson hits .367 with nine homers and 39 RBIs, while catcher Karlee Ford (.352) and Jessie Clemons (.333) are threats. Sydney Malott can also go yard with eight home runs on the season.
Iowa State’s pitching is led by Lauren Schurman (13-5, 3.85 ERA in 100 innings), who is likely to start one of Friday’s games. The staff also includes Jaiden Ralston, Ava Mullen, and Liv Palumbo.
The Friday doubleheader (Game 1 at 1 p.m. CT) will test both teams bullpen management, while Sunday’s noon finale could end up being a rubber match to decide the series.
Despite the bus accident, the postponed Wichita State game, and multiple weather-related changes, Oklahoma State softball should be well rested from the previous week’s bye period and will look to defeat the Cyclones this weekend in Ames.