Iowa State Freshmen Shine in Softball Season Opener

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The Iowa State softball team (1-1) lost its season opener 5-0 against San Diego State but bounced back to defeat Cal Poly SLO 8-2 in the second game of the Easton Invitational in Santa Barbara, Calif. Freshman Erica Martinez cranked out two homers and senior Robyn Riedler hit a grand slam to lead the Cyclones. Woodward Granger native Jen Bice picked up her first collegiate win, allowing six runs and striking out five.

San Diego State took an early 2-0 lead in the Cyclones first game and never looked back. Kellie Nordhagen scored on a sacrifice fly by Aztec designated player Christy Sears. Kellie Labor scored on an error by Cyclone first baseman, Kimi Yoshizawa to take a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the second. Kristina Kirk scored on a Nordhagen double. Then Nordhagen scored on a sacrifice fly by Labor to take a 4-0 fourth inning lead. San Diego State scored again in the bottom of the fifth when Sears singled to rightfield to bring in Labor making the score 5-0. Iowa State sophomore Lauren Cathey went 2-of-2, junior shortstop Jessica Polo had two hits along with Riedler. Senior Lisa Frank also contributed a hit. Senior Mandy Loushin took the loss allowing five runs on five hits and striking out two. Kristin Ferguson came in to relieve Loushin in the fifth giving up one hit and striking out one.

Cal Poly jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the second game but the Cyclones tied it up in the third when pinch runner Amy Crittendon scored on a wild pitch. ISU had a big fourth inning as Martinez hit her first collegiate home run to make it 2-1. Indianola native Kim Hoover and Yoshizawa had back to back singles. Freshman Adi Blackmon walked to load the bases bringing up Riedler. Riedler hit her first career grand slam to make it 6-1 going into the top of the fourth. Martinez hit her second homer of the day in the bottom of the fifth. Iowa State scored again in the sixth as Tiffany Cornine scored on a sacrifice bunt. Bice recorded the win allowing two runs on six hits and striking out five.

Iowa State continues play in the Easton Invitational tomorrow as they take on UC Santa Barbara and Purdue.