AMES, Iowa – After a midweek doubleheader against Minnesota, Iowa State (19-26, 4-8 Big 12) hits the road to play No. 1 Oklahoma this weekend before returning home for a Monday doubleheader against UMKC.
The Sooners will be the second top-ranked opponent and second 2012 Women’s College World Series opponent for the Cyclones this season after the team played two games at No. 1 Alabama in March; Alabama defeated Oklahoma for the World Series title a year ago.
Monday’s games against UMKC were originally scheduled for April 17 but were pushed back because of weather.
Sarah Hawryluk, Erica Miller and Lexi Slater will lead the Cyclone offense entering the weekend against the nation’s No. 1 pitching staff. Hawryluk went a combined 6-for-7 against Minnesota on Wednesday with three stolen bases; she has 11 steals in Iowa State’s last 16 games. Slater has come on strong for Iowa State since its series against Texas Tech, hitting .333 with five hits, two runs scored, five RBI and an on-base percentage of .600.
Consistent as always, Miller is hitting a team-high .366 over the last 16 games, a span in which the senior has not hit a home run but instead has hit six doubles and drawn eight walks while driving in 16 runs. Her 48 RBI this season is a school record and her 23 walks are three shy of tying Tori Torrescano for the single-season record.
While the Cyclone offense looks for an opening against OU starters Michelle Gascoigne and Keilani Ricketts against whom teams are hitting just .156 this season, the Cyclone pitching staff will face a Sooner lineup whose starters are all hitting above .400 on the year; four regulars have maintained a .400-plus average in conference play. As a team, Oklahoma is hitting .342 against Big 12 teams, led by Shelby Pendley’s .462 average and 1.346 slugging mark.
Friday’s series opener is set for 6:30 p.m. CDT at Marita Hynes Field on the University of Oklahoma campus.