Cyclones Secure Series Opener in Doubleheader Action

AMES, Iowa – -/rv University of Houston Softball's high-powered offense was held in check as Iowa State limited the Cougars to three hits while the Cyclones scored in five of six innings to secure the series opener, 9-1 in six frames, on Friday afternoon inside the Cyclones Sports Complex.

The Cougars (17-8, 1-3 Big 12), who entered the day sixth nationally in scoring (7.79), went just 1 for 13 (.077) with runners aboard. Cougar graduate starter Shelby Smith (9-3) was saddled with just her third loss after allowing six runs on four hits in 3.2 innings.

Iowa State (10-14, 1-3 Big 12) clubbed three home runs including a two-run home run from senior Alesia Ranches to end the game in the sixth inning. The loss was Houston's first in a weekend opener this season.

Player Highlights

Shelby Smith: 1-3, 1 R, 1 2B
Ja'Naiya Thomas: 1-2, 1 RBI
Mandy Esman: 1-3

Game Highlights

Iowa State leadoff batters reached safely in five of six innings.
The Cougars produced just one hit (1 for 6) with two outs.
Smith extended her team-best hit streak to seven consecutive games.

Key Innings
1st | Iowa State put its first two aboard, including a leadoff double from senior Milaysia Ochoa, and capitalized on a wild pitch to take a 1-0 lead. One batter later, sophomore Tiana Poole used an RBI-double to make it 2-0.

2nd | Houston graduate Shelby Smith delivered a wall-ball double to lead off the second, coming home one batter later as junior Ja'Naiya Thomas singled down the right field line, collecting her fifth RBI of the season, to trim the Cougars deficit to 2-1.

3rd | Iowa State broke through for three runs, all via the long ball, including a leadoff home run from junior Angelina Allen and two-run homer four batters later from senior Carli Spelhaug, to make it 5-1.

4th | After the Cougars put two aboard with one out, a strikeout and groundout ended the threat. In the home half, the Cyclones took advantage of a leadoff hit by pitch. Three batters later, and following a double steal, junior Angelina Allen used an RBI-groundout to stretch the lead to 6-1.

5th | Iowa State tacked on another run in the fifth but Houston redshirt sophomore relief pitcher Paris Lehman stranded the bases loaded on a pop out to shortstop.

UP NEXT
The Cougars and Cyclones face off in the doubleheader finale at 4 p.m. inside the Cyclone Sports Complex. Fans can follow along via live stats by clicking here or watch on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ by clicking here. The teams will close the three-game series at Noon, Saturday.

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