Iowa State Softball Falls to Southern Illinois

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Cyclone third baseman Lauren Cathey's two-run home run in the top of the fourth inning was not enough to help the Iowa State softball team defeat Southern Illinois, Sunday at the Troy Cox Classic in Las Cruces, N.M. The Salukies defeated ISU, 3-2.

Iowa State took an early 2-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning. Julia Lindsay singled to second base to lead off the inning. Cathey homered to left field to give the Cyclones a 2-0 edge.

Southern Illinois answered back scoring one run in the bottom of the fifth inning. Netty Hallahan walked and advanced to second as Haley Viefhaus reached on an error. Hallahan scored on an RBI sacrifice fly by pinch hitter Andrea Harris to make it 2-1.

The Salukies scored two more runs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Designated player Erin Stremsterfer singled to left field and advanced to third as Hallahan reached on an error by Cyclone first baseman Kimi Yoshizawa. Stermsterfer scored on an error by Cyclone short stop Morgan LeCluyse to tie the game. Hallahan scored on an error by ISU left fielder Laura Browning to make it a 3-2 ballgame.

Lindsay and Browning each contributed a hit. Jen Bice (1-4) took the loss for the Cyclones, allowing three runs on four hits while fanning seven.

Iowa State (3-7) continues play on March 9 when they travel to Columbia, Mo., to participate in the Missouri Round Robin tournament.