Iowa State Edges KU Softball, 3-2
May 8, 2004
LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Iowa State softball team recorded 10 hits en route to a 3-2 win over the University of Kansas Saturday afternoon at Arrocha Ballpark. The loss snapped a three-game win streak for the Jayhawks (30-26-1, 6-11 Big12) who will be seeded seventh heading into next week’s Big 12 Tournament.
Kansas got on the board first and looked impressive with a two-run bottom of the second. Center fielder Mel Wallach led off with a single down the left line and designated player Serena Settlemier followed with a double in the same spot, advancing Wallach to third. First baseman Leah Mountain singled up the middle for the RBI and Settlemier moved over to third.
After pinch runner Kathy McVey replaced Mountain, second baseman Jessica Moppin singled to left field to score Settlemier and give KU the 2-0 lead. The rest of the order was not as successful as three ‘Hawks were left on base.
Iowa State (13-29, 3-12 Big 12) answered with one run in the top of the third. Julia Lindsey led off with a hard-hit infield single and was put out on a fielder’s choice by Cary Akins. Ashley Killeen doubled over Wallach’s head and off the wall to score Akins and bring the Cyclones within one. Kassie Humphreys was able to retire the next two batters and keep KU’s lead.
The Cyclones took the lead with two runs in the top of the fourth. With one out, designated player Kim Rodgers homered over the ‘Blue Monster’ in center field to tie the game. Jennifer Bigbee followed with a single down the right line and was replaced by pinch runner Ashley Core. Core advanced to second on a passed ball and Fallon Johnson doubled to left center for the RBI.
Senior Kara Pierce came in to relieve Humphreys and was able to get out of the inning. KU was unable to produce any runs through the final four innings but kept ISU scoreless behind Pierce and errorless defense.
Humphreys (14-11), the reigning Big 12 Pitcher of the Week, gave up seven hits and struck out one in 3.1 innings for the loss. Pierce (16-11) gave up three hits and struck out six in the final 3.2 innings of the game.
ISU’s Alyssa Ransom (10-17) gave up six hits, struck out five and walked two in the win. Lindsey and Bigbee led the ISU offense with two hits apiece on the day.
Kansas wrap up the Iowa State series and regular season play Sunday at 1 p.m. Six KU seniors — Pierce, Wallach, Mountain, Dani May, Sandy Smith and Sylvia Pfeiffer — will be honored in their final appearance at Arrocha Ballpark
With the loss, KU automatically will receive a No. 7 seeding in the league tournament and will face No. 10 Texas Tech Wednesday at 5 p.m.
