Cyclones Upset No. 3 Oklahoma, 2-1

NORMAN, Okla. -- The Iowa State softball team took advantage of two Oklahoma errors and played solid defense to upset No. 3 Oklahoma, 2-1, Saturday afternoon at the OU Softball Complex in Norman, Okla. With the win, Iowa State improves to 14-19 overall and 2-4 in Big 12 play.

The upset was Iowa State's second upset of a top-10 team. Earlier in the year, the Cyclones defeated No. 10 Cal State Fullerton, 1-0.

Freshman Kristen Karanzias had a stellar day on the pitching mound, giving up just two hits and one run while striking out four OU batters. She went the complete seven innings without walking an OU batter. She improved her pitching record to 3-6.

The Cyclones took advantage of some Sooner defensive mistakes to post two runs early in the game, while Oklahoma had just one run, a homerun, all game.

"Today was a total team effort," said head coach Ruth Crowe. "Kristen Karanzias pitched an unbelievable game. Going the whole game without a walk was terrific. Molly McNertney came up with a huge hit in the game to give us the winning run and our defense really came through in the clutch for us."

In the first inning, senior Adi Blackmon singled to reach first base then moved immediately to second when OU pitcher Dana Askins sent sophomore Lindsey Herrin to first on a walk. Blackmon stole her 12th base of the season to reach third. OU appeared to retire the half inning when junior Kelly Wardein grounded out to second base, but the second basemen mishandled the ball and Blackmon darted home for the early 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the second inning, Oklahoma's Heather Scaglione hit a home run to tie up the score, but ISU would answer in the top of the third inning.

Senior Katie Ruby took first base after being hit by the pitch and Herrin reached first on an error by the OU shortstop. Senior Molly McNertney doubled to drive Ruby home and Iowa State had the winning score, 2-1.

Iowa State returns to the field on Sunday to complete the series with Oklahoma. First pitch is scheduled for Noon at the OU Softball Complex.