AMES – The Iowa State Cyclones wrapped up their fall softball season with a clear sense of identity and promise. Finishing with a record of 6-2, the Cyclones showcased their offensive firepower with 10 or more runs in six of the eight games. 

Defensively, Iowa State never allowed more than six runs in a single contest. Their only losses came in close matchups against Minnesota and in-state rival Drake.

“I’m happy with where we’re at, but I also know that we can get better,” head coach Jamie Pinkerton said.

Offensive leaders and rising stars

Iowa State’s offensive unit developed into a formidable force during the fall, led by senior Angelina Allen, who carried her momentum from last season’s All-American campaign. Allen played a pivotal role in guiding the team but also emphasized the importance of contributions from newcomers.

“The freshmen and transfers want to be here and they want to win,” Allen said. “That’s always important when it comes to succeeding in softball.”

Two key freshmen, Sereniti Trice and Jessie Clemons, quickly established themselves as impactful players. Clemons, who thrived both at the plate and in multiple defensive positions, reflected positively on her first taste of college softball.

“I was happy to get a lot of at-bats, a lot of innings and play different positions,” Clemons said.

Pinkerton’s goal for the fall was to give every player significant opportunities to get experience at the Division I level. His plan was a success, as nearly every player logged between 20 and 25 at-bats and gained critical game-time experience. This approach helped lay the groundwork for the Cyclones as they head into the offseason.

“I think we’re on a steady incline to where we want to be come spring and I’m looking forward to how we do,” Clemons said.

Pitching staff progress and potential

The Cyclones’ pitching staff, headlined by Jaiden Ralston, Abby Huhn and Aziza Rodriguez, made significant strides during the fall season. The group of six pitchers took advantage of the eight-game schedule to hone their skills and address areas for improvement.

Rodriguez, who relished the opportunity to get more innings under her belt, expressed satisfaction with both her individual and team’s progress but acknowledged that there’s still room for growth. 

“For me personally, it’s been pretty good, and overall, for the team, it’s been pretty good too,” Rodriguez said. “There are obviously things we need to clean up, but I think we’re doing a great job fighting through everything.”

Building consistency for spring

Pinkerton is excited about the potential this young team has shown and is optimistic about their trajectory heading into the spring season. He praised the team’s effort, hustle and energy but noted that consistency is the key to reaching their full potential.

“The hustle’s there, the effort’s there, and the energy’s there,” Pinkerton said. “We can’t let the peaks be too high or the valleys be too low. We have to work on being more consistent every game.”

With the fall season in the books, the Cyclones will use the winter offseason to fine tune their skills, focusing on consistency and elevating their overall performance. 

Pinkerton also believes that if they can maintain their intensity and build on the momentum from the fall, they will have a strong chance of finishing in the top five in the Big 12 Conference by the season’s end.

As the Cyclones prepare for spring, the pieces are in place for a breakout season. The team is ready to hit the ground running with fire and explosiveness when they return to action.