Iowa State Closes Out Regular Season With a 4-2 Loss to Kansas

AMES, Iowa ? Iowa State fell to Kansas, 4-2, in its regular season finale on Saturday at the Southwest Athletic Complex. The Cyclones concluded the regular season with an 18-31 overall mark and a 3-15 Big 12 record.

For the second-straight outing against the Jayhawks, ISU jumped out to an early lead after one inning. Senior Kim Rodgers, the Cyclones' lead off hitter, reached first after getting hit by a pitch. Junior Cary Akins then laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Rodgers down to second. Sophomore Jessica Quade then singled to shallow right field, advancing Rodgers to third. Quade's classmate, Katie Reichling, then doubled to left center to score Rodgers and chase Quade to third. Sophomore Ashley Killeen hit a RBI single down the left field line, scoring Quade. However that would be all of the scoring that Iowa State would get on the day.

Kansas promptly countered with two runs in the top of the second to tie the contest. The Jayhawks then added a run in the fourth and another in the fifth to provide the final 4-2 margin.

In the fifth inning, Iowa State threatened a comeback when the Cyclones loaded the bases, but were unable to convert the opportunity.

Sophomore hurler Alyssa Ransom took the pitching loss, dropping her record to 11-19 on the season.

Following Sunday's contest, the Iowa State senior class of Kim Rodgers, Misty Kimura, Diana Reuter and Amber Wood were honored in their final home appearance.

Iowa State returns to action at the Big 12 tournament in Oklahoma City on Wednesday. The Cyclones' first round opponent has yet to be determined.