Iowa State Outlasts BYU to Punch Ticket to Big 12 Softball Semifinals

In a game that felt like a gut check from the opening pitch, Iowa State answered every challenge and came out swinging—literally and figuratively. The Cyclones rode a pair of home runs, timely execution, and airtight defense to a 4–2 win over BYU on Thursday night in Oklahoma City, advancing to the Big 12 Softball Tournament semifinals in the process.

The Cyclones edged BYU 4–2 on Thursday night at Devon Park, riding timely home runs and a sharp all-around performance to extend their stay in Oklahoma City.

BYU got on the board first thanks to Aleia Agbayani, who launched a solo shot in the top of the second to give the Cougars an early 1–0 lead. But the Cyclones answered right back in the bottom of the third. After a two-out throwing error at third extended the inning, Jessie Clemons came around to score and tie the game—an unearned run that kept momentum from swinging fully BYU’s way.

Then, Iowa State delivered the game’s biggest swing. With a runner on in the bottom of the fourth, McKenna Andrews turned on a pitch and crushed a two-run homer to left, giving the Cyclones their first lead of the night. An inning later, Tatum Johnson added some insurance with a solo home run of her own to make it 4–1.

BYU scratched across a run in the sixth, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Cyclones’ balance and execution.

Where the Cougars missed opportunities, Iowa State stayed composed. The Cyclones went 4-for-6 in the leadoff spot and kept consistent pressure on the Cougars’ pitching staff all night. Meanwhile, BYU’s bats went cold, as Jaiden Ralston turned in a complete game performance that culminated in one walk, two strikeouts, and two earned runs on six hits. Most importantly, it produced a win.

Now, the Cyclones will advance to face Arizona in Friday’s semifinal, with the winner going to the Championship final on Saturday to face the winner of Texas Tech vs. Arizona State.

As for BYU, the Cougars will now turn their attention to Selection Sunday, hoping their 34–23 record and a tournament win over Houston will be enough to earn an at-large NCAA bid.