Iowa State Drops 5-4 Decision to Northern Iowa

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - A two-out base loaded walk in the bottom of the seventh propelled Northern Iowa to a 5-4 victory over Iowa State at UNI's Panther Park on Thursday afternoon. With the loss, ISU falls to 12-24 on the season, while Northern Iowa improves to 15-16 on the year.

The Cyclones jumped out to a 3-0 advantage in the first inning on a three-run homer by junior Cary Akins. With two outs, sophomore Katie Reichling doubled to left center and senior Misty Kimura walked setting the table for Akins blast.

UNI pulled to within a run in the bottom of the first, scoring on a two-RBI single by Erin Strellner. The Panthers then took the lead in the third on a RBI double by Amanda Hess, scoring Rachael Rogers and Strellner.

ISU tied the contest in the fifth inning when senior Kim Rodgers singled home sophomore Fallon Johnson from second.

The game remained tied until the latter half of the seventh when with two outs, a pair of ISU miscues kept the Panthers' chances alive. Streller reached on an error by Jessica Quade. She then moved to second on a single to left by Rodgers. Both Strellner and Rogers advanced to third and second, respectively, when teammate Melissa King reached base on an error by Akins. The Cyclones made a swtich at pitcher bringing in sophomore Alyssa Ransom for Reichling, the starter, who went 6 2/3 innings, giving up five runs on eight hits with four strike outs. With the bases loaded, UNI's Amanda Hess forced home the winning run in Strellner when she drew a full count walk. With the loss, Reichling's record falls to 6-8 on the season.

Iowa State returns to action on Saturday when its hosts Oklahoma State in the first of two Big 12 contests. Satruday's game is slated for 2 p.m., first pitch. Sunday's tilt will start at noon.

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