Iowa State Softball Falls to Western Illinois, 4-1

AMES, Iowa - The Iowa State softball team belted out 10 hits but could not connect as the 15-18 Cyclones fell to Western Illinois today in non-conference play. Cinnamon Gooding and Amberly Lessenger led the Iowa State hitting attack going 2-of-3 at the plate respectively.

The Westerwinds took an early lead scoring three runs in the top of the first. Jennifer Tyrell singled and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Chrissie Beebe. A RBI single by Bridget Maxwell made it, 1-0. A two-run homer by Shannon Goebel expanded the Western Illinois lead to three.

Western Illinois scored one more run in the top of the third. Bebee reached on a fiedler's choice and advanced to second on the throw. Bebee scored on a RBI single by Maxwell making it, 4-0.

The Cyclones tried to rally in the bottom of the third but fell short. Lessenger led off the inning with a single to left field and advanced to second on a Jill Hlavacek single. A Lisa Frank singled loaded the bases with no outs. Adi Blackmon struck out for the first out. Lessenger was out at the plate on a fielder's choice and Gooding fouled out to end the inning.

Iowa State got on the board scoring one run in the bottom of the sixth. Polo singled to center field and advanced to second on a Gooding single. A single by Michelle Junod advanced Polo to third. Robyn Riedler's sacrifice bunt scored Polo making it, 4-1.

Kristin Shipley, Frank, Junod, Riedler and Hlavacek each contributed a hit. Jen Bice took the loss for the Cyclones, allowing three runs on three hits, fanning one while working the mound for two innings. Kristin Ferguson allowed one run on three hits, striking out two.

Iowa State returns to action when they host Texas Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16 at 1 p.m. at the Southwest Athletic Complex.