Oklahoma State softball gets the 2-1 series win over Iowa State after a tough week with Bedlam matchup and tough series against Arizona looming
AMES, IA — The No. 19/20 Oklahoma State Cowgirls softball team bounced back from adversity and weather disruptions to secure a 2-1 series win over Iowa State this weekend at the Cyclone Softball Complex.
The series, originally planned for three separate days, was condensed due to forecasts of inclement weather, with Saturday’s scheduled game moved up to create a Friday doubleheader.
The Cowgirls split those games before clinching the series with a victory on Sunday, improving their Big 12 record to 9-6 while handing the Cyclones a 5-10 conference record.
The week leading into the series tested the Cowgirls. On Wednesday, April 8, Oklahoma State’s team bus was involved in a serious accident en route to Wichita, Kansas, for a midweek matchup against Wichita State. No Cowgirls were injured, but the incident resulted in a reported fatality involving a pedestrian, prompting the postponement of the game. The toll lingered as the team processed the event before traveling north to Ames.
Then, forecasts of storms forced the schedule change, turning what was supposed to be a standard weekend series into a Friday doubleheader followed by Sunday’s finale. Despite the disruptions, Oklahoma State showed its strength as they rallied for the series victory.
Friday Doubleheader – Game 1: Oklahoma State 8, Iowa State 3
The Cowgirls jumped out strong in the opener, going for four runs in the first inning to seize control. A hot offensive start led to the 8-3 victory, with Oklahoma State collecting 11 hits.
Pitcher Ruby Meylan earned the win, improving to 16-6, by slowing Iowa State’s offense effectively over seven innings while allowing just six hits and three runs.
Iowa State managed single runs in the second, sixth, and seventh innings but couldn’t mount a comeback. The Cyclones finished with six hits and committed one error. Oklahoma State added insurance runs in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings, capitalizing on extra base opportunities.
Friday Doubleheader – Game 2: Iowa State 12, Oklahoma State 0 (5 innings)
The latter game belonged entirely to the Cyclones, who delivered a dominant, run-rule performance to even the series at 1-1. Iowa State erupted for 13 hits and scored in every inning, culminating in an eight-run fourth that ended the contest after five innings. Lauren Schurman picked up the win for Iowa State, moving to 14-5, as she silenced the Cowgirl bats completely.
Oklahoma State was limited to just four hits and two errors, managing no runs across the shortened game. Rosie Davis and Gabby Castillo provided the only extra-base hits with doubles, but the offense struggled to string together hits against Iowa State’s pitching. The Cyclones’ bats came alive at the right moment, showing their potential in a shutout victory that shifted momentum heading into Sunday.
Sunday Finale: Oklahoma State 9, Iowa State 2
With the series on the line, the Cowgirls delivered a series clinching performance, pounding out a season high 14 hits in a 9-2 dub.
Oklahoma State built a comfortable lead with multi run innings in the second, third, and fourth innings. A highlight came in the third when Jones homered to left field, driving in two runs and extending the lead, while Warsop crossed the plate earlier in the sequence. Another home run from Hasler in the fourth added to the lead.
The Cowgirls’ offense was firing on all cylinders, spreading production and capitalizing on Iowa State’s defensive miscues. Pitching held firm, limiting the Cyclones to two runs despite their previous offensive windfall.
Iowa State managed fewer hits in the finale and couldn’t replicate Friday night’s dominance. The victory not only secured the 2-1 series win but also boosted Oklahoma State’s confidence after a tough week.
Oklahoma State’s ability to split the doubleheader and then respond on Sunday demonstrated their toughness, especially following the bus accident and schedule adjustments.
The Cowgirls now look ahead as they continue their conference slate. Next up for Oklahoma State softball is a midweek showdown against rival Oklahoma on Wednesday, April 15, at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, a highly anticipated Bedlam matchup.
Oklahoma State softball will continue after Bedlam next weekend in Stillwater where they’ll face No. 11 Arizona.