Cyclone Softball Wins Big 12 Opener

LUBBOCK, Texas - The Iowa State softball team defeated Texas Tech, 5-2 today in Lubbock, Texas to win its first conference game of the season. ISU improved its record to 10-8 overall and 1-0 in the Big 12 Conference.

The Red Raiders took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning. Esmerelda Perez doubled and scored on a Kristi Robels single.

The Cyclones answered back scoring one run in the top of the fifth inning. A Julia Lindsey single scored Amberly Lessenger to tie the game.

Iowa State expanded the lead scoring four runs in the sixth inning. Katie Ruby led of the inning with a single and advanced to second on a Kristin Shipley single. Diana Rueter pinch ran for Ruby and advanced to third on a passed ball. Rueter scored on a Lessenger single to give the Cyclones' a 2-1 edge. Pinch hitter Kelly Wardein doubled scoring Shipley and Lessenger to expand the lead, 4-1. A Lindsey double scored Wardein giving Iowa State a 5-1 lead.

Texas Tech's rally in the bottom of the seventh came up short as the Red Raiders scored one run on two hits.

Erica Martinez (5-4) allowed one run on two hits while fanning seven in 3 2/3 innings. Wardein was 1-of-1 at the plate with two RBI, while Lindsey was 2-of-4 with two RBI. Lessenger had one hit and one RBI as Martinez hat two hits. Lindsey Herrin, Laura Browning, Misty Kimura, Ruby and Shipley each contributed a hit for the Cyclones.

Iowa State faces Texas Tech tomorrow to wrap up its two game series. First pitch is slated for 11 a.m.