Cyclones Fall to No. 2 Texas Tech in Opener

Friday, March 27

Lubbock, Texas

6 p.m.

Iowa State

20-11, 3-4

Texas Tech

32-2, 9-1

Iowa State

Texas Tech

Cyclones Fall to No. 2 Texas Tech in Opener

03.27.2026 | Softball

Box Score Box Score (.pdf)

LUBBOCK, Texas – Iowa State (21-11, 3-4 Big 12) saw its five-game winning streak snapped on Friday night, as No. 2 Texas Tech (32-2, 9-1 Big 12) proved to be too much, as the Red Raiders won 9-1 in five innings.

The Cyclones kept things within arm's length for the first four frames, but a four-run fifth from the Red Raiders, which featured two two-run home runs, put things out of reach. Each team battled the harsh elements on the evening, as 25 mph winds were complemented by 35 mph gusts.

ISU was held to just two hits, as Jessie Clemons earned a knock and Kadence Shepherd had a solo homer – accounting for the team's only run. Both Tatum Johnson and Tiana Poole worked walks in the contest.

Lauren Schurman (11-3) earned the nod in the circle, hurling four frames and allowing five runs (four earned) on four hits with four punchouts. Ava Mullen also saw time in relief of Schurman.

Tech saw both Desirae Spearman and Mia Williams collect multi-hit contests. Spearman was joined by Lagi Quiroga and Jackie Lis as home run hitters. In the circle, NiJaree Canady was a force, allowing just one run on two hits and striking out eight.

How it Happened
The second-ranked Red Raiders got on the board first, plating a run in the bottom of the opening inning. With runners on first and second with one out, a TTU fielder's choice caused some confusion on the basepaths as the Red Raiders plated the opening run on an error.

ISU responded immediately in the top of the second, tying the game up. Kadence Shepherd took the first pitch she saw yard, depositing it over the center field fence to knot things at one-all.

Tech jumped back in front in the second, using an RBI groundout to score run number two and an RBI double to score run number three.

After a scoreless third, a two-run home run from Quiroga in the fourth pushed TTU's lead to 5-1.

The Red Raiders would earn a run-rule win in the fifth, using a pair of two-run jacks to push the lead to eight and earn the win.

Friday Notes
Home Runs
Iowa State: Kadence Shepherd (5)
Texas Tech: Desirae Spearman (8), Jackie Lis (7), Lagi Quiroga (11)

WP – NiJaree Canady (13-2): 5.0 IP, 2 hits, 1 run, 2 walks, 8 strikeouts
SV – N/A
LP – Lauren Schurman (11-3): 4.0 IP, 4 hits, 5 runs (4 earned), 5 walks, 4 strikeouts

On Deck
ISU will be back in action tomorrow, March 28, when they return to Tracy Sellers Field to take on No. 2 TTU in game two of the series. Tomorrow's contest is set to begin at 2 pm and will be streamed live on ESPN+.