Cyclones eye midweek perfection versus South Dakota

Iowa State softball closes out their four-game homestand Tuesday afternoon, hosting the South Dakota Coyotes softball at the Cyclone Softball Complex. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. in Ames, with the Cyclones aiming to bounce back and keep their midweek record spotless.

Iowa State (24-17, 5-10 Big 12) enters the matchup after a challenging weekend against a ranked Oklahoma State Cowgirls softball squad, dropping two of three. Despite the series loss, the Cyclones have been dominant in midweek contests, boasting a perfect 4-0 record—a trend they’ll look to continue against a struggling South Dakota side.

The Coyotes (10-28-1) arrive in Ames having lost four straight and eight of their last ten games, including a tough weekend in which they were heavily outscored by North Dakota State. Tuesday marks one of their final midweek opportunities to reset before the season’s stretch run.

Offensive Firepower Leads ISU

Iowa State’s offense has been one of its biggest strengths, powered by standout senior Reagan Bartholomew. She leads the team across nearly every major category, hitting .437 with 12 home runs, 55 hits, and 43 runs scored—numbers that place her among the Big 12’s elite.

Support around her has been just as impactful. Tatum Johnson paces the team with 43 RBI while ranking near the top in both runs and hits. Kadence Shepherd adds another power threat with 11 home runs and 38 RBI, giving the Cyclones multiple ways to do damage at the plate.

As a team, ISU is hitting an impressive .331 with 282 runs and 146 extra-base hits—production that has made them difficult to contain all season.

Pitching Matchup

In the circle, Iowa State has relied on a versatile staff, led by Lauren Schurman. She carries a team-best 3.81 ERA across more than 110 innings while also leading the team in strikeouts. Contributions from Liv Palumbo, Jaiden Ralston, and Ava Mullen have helped stabilize the rotation.

South Dakota counters with a staff anchored by Madison Evans, who has logged heavy innings and recorded 113 strikeouts. While durable, the Coyotes’ pitching staff has struggled overall, reflected in a 5.36 team ERA.

Scouting the Yotes

Offensively, South Dakota is led by Brooke Carey, who is hitting .380 and leads the team in hits and doubles. Sara Iburg provides power in the lineup with five home runs and a team-high 20 RBI.

Still, the Coyotes have been inconsistent at the plate, hitting .275 as a team and averaging fewer than four runs per game—numbers that could make it difficult to keep pace with Iowa State’s offense.

Iowa to Vermillion

The Yotes’ roster features an octet of players that went to high school in Iowa: Kiya Johnson attended North Butler, sisters Campbell and Brynnly German went to Martensdale-St. Marys, Ella McGee is an alumna of Waukee, Aubrey Lensmeyer hails from Ankeny, Peyton Paulsen attended Hempstead (Dubuque), Sophia Bauman went to Dallas Center-Grimes and Brylee Hempey went to Sioux City East.