Iowa State Drops Games to Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh in Day One of Cougar Classic

MT. PLEASANT, S.C. ? The Iowa State softball team fell to Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh Friday at College of Charleston's Patriots Point. It was the first day of the College of Charleston Cougar Classic. In the first game of the day, Iowa State fell to Virginia Tech, 5-1, and lost the nightcap to Pittsburgh by an identical 5-1 score. The Cyclones are now 0-5 on the young season.

Against Virginia Tech, the Cyclones jumped onto the scoreboard right away when senior Kim Rodgers crossed the plate just as senior Misty Kimura was thrown out at first base. Rodgers hit a single to left field to start the inning, followed by freshman Kristy Olsen reaching first on a fielder's choice. Rodgers reached second base off a throwing error by Virginia Tech first baseman Stephanie Savre. Sophomore Ashley Killeen was up next and got out at first base on a sacrifice bunt advancing both Rodgers and Olsen to third and second base, respectively. Sophomore Jessica Quade loaded the bases when she was sent to first on a walk, setting up Kimura's RBI and Rogers' run. Virginia Tech jumped on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first inning when outfielder Sarah Prosise hit a single to center field, sending both Savre and catcher Megan Evans across home plate. The Hokies led, 2-1, after one inning.

The score would remain 2-1 until the bottom of the fifth inning when the Hokies scored three runs off four hits to take a 5-1 lead. The Cyclones tried to mount a rally in the top of the sixth inning when Quade hit her first double of the year. Kimura was up next and reached first on a throwing error by Hokie left fielder Caroline Stolle and then advanced to second base, sending pinch runner Ellen Buehner to third. But the rally ended when senior Diana Reuter fouled out to the catcher and junior Cary Akins and senior Amber Wood both struck out. After holding Virginia Tech in the bottom of the sixth inning, the Cyclones had one more chance in the top of the seventh, but their offense stalled and Virginia Tech won the game, 5-1.

Rodgers led the way for ISU with two hits and a run and Akins, Killeen and Quade all had a hit each. Sophomore Alyssa Ransom was on the mound for the Cyclones and struck out five Virginia Tech batters. Her record is now 0-3.

After a scoreless first inning against Pittsburgh, the Panthers plated their first score in the top of the second inning. The Cyclones answered with a run of their own in the bottom of the inning. Quade hit her second single of the day to teach first base. However, Kimura reached the bag on a fielder's choice that put Quade out on second base. Sophomore Katie Reichling also reached first on a fielder's choice and Kimura was out at second. Akins came up next and drilled her first double of the season and sent Reichling across home plate for the score. After two innings, the score was tied 1-1. The Panthers scored their second run in the top of the fourth inning, a home run by designated hitter Christa Hunter, and added three more in the fifth inning to seal the victory by Pittsburgh. The Cyclones mounted a rally in the bottom of the fifth inning, but it fell short. Pittsburgh defeated ISU, 5-1.

Sophomore Katie Reichling, who was on the mound for the first time this season, and Ransom split time on the pitching mound with Reichling picking up the loss. Akins led the way for ISU with a hit and a RBI.

Iowa State will compete in the second ay of the College of Charleston Cougar Classic tomorrow when it takes on Winthrop at 2 p.m. (CST) and College of Charleston at 4 p.m. (CST). Depending on seeding and records, the Cyclones may play another game at 7 p.m. (CST) with an opponent yet to be determined.