Cyclones Edge Jayhawks in Close 4-2 Series Opener

Thursday, April 17

Ames, Iowa

4 p.m. CT

University of Kansas

18-21, 4-12

Iowa State

22-18, 10-6

Kansas

Iowa State

Cyclones Edge Jayhawks in Close 4-2 Series Opener

4/17/2025 5:31:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Season Stats Conference Stats

AMES, Iowa – A fast start wasn't enough for the Jayhawks on Friday night at the Cyclone Sports Complex , as an early two-run lead slipped away following a third-inning grand slam by Iowa State. Despite a strong defensive showing and several chances late, Kansas came up just short in the series opener, falling 4-2 to the Cyclones.

Kansas got off to a strong start in the opening inning, setting the tone early. Presley Limbaugh reached third, and Aynslee Linduff advanced to second, setting up a prime scoring opportunity. Olivia Bruno, the starting pitcher and cleanup hitter, came through with a sharp line drive down the left field line, bringing both runners home and giving the Jayhawks a quick 2-0 lead heading into their defensive positions.

Bruno, earned the start in the circle for Kansas. After a quick flyout to center, Iowa State threatened with runners on the corners and one out, but Kansas escaped the jam with a putout back to Bruno.

In the bottom of the second, Kansas held the Cyclones scoreless once again, maintaining their 2-0 lead heading into their third at-bat. With the top of the order up again, Kansas looked to generate more offense, but the Cyclones responded, and the Jayhawks returned to the field on defense.

Iowa State loaded the bases in the bottom of the third, putting pressure on Kansas. The Cyclones took the lead with a go-ahead grand slam, jumping ahead 4-2. With no score change from either team heading into the fifth inning, Kansas was searching for an offensive spark to reclaim the lead.

Limbaugh singled up the middle and quickly stole second to put herself in scoring position. Linduff battled through a full count at-bat but was unable to produce offensively, leaving Limbaugh stranded, and exhausting the top of the fifth.

The Jayhawk defense held strong in the bottom of the fifth, preventing the Cyclones from adding any more damage and giving Kansas a few more offensive opportunities to take the lead over Iowa State.

Coming into their final at-bat with just three outs remaining, the Jayhawks were unable to generate any more offense and dropped the first game to Iowa State, 4-2.

Pitchers of Record:
Win: Lauren Schurman (10-9)
Line: 4.0 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 1 BB, 0 SO
Loss: Olivia Bruno (4-4)
Line: 6.0 IP, 4 R, 7 H, 3 BB, 1 SO

Up Next
The Jayhawks continue their three-game series against the Cyclones tomorrow at 4 p.m. CT, with the game available to stream on ESPN+

Notables

Olivia Bruno delivered a two-run single down the left field line in the first inning, marking her 27th RBI of the season. She now leads the team in RBIs on the season.
Bruno earned her ninth start of the season, the most starts she has made in a single season as a Kansas pitcher.
In the top of the fourth, junior Campbell Bagshaw recorded her seventh double of the season and the 14th of her career, tying her single-season high.