Panthers run-ruled by Cyclones in Ames

Tuesday, March 31

Ames, Iowa

4 p.m.

University of Northern Iowa

17-14

Iowa State

21-13

Northern Iowa

Iowa State

Panthers run-ruled by Cyclones in Ames

3/31/2026 6:33:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

AMES, Iowa — The UNI softball team traveled to Ames, Iowa, to take on the Iowa State Cyclones in a rematch of the final matchup of the Doc Halverson UNI-Dome Classic. The Panthers were the first on the board, but the dominant Cyclone bats went to work and, thanks to five runs in the bottom of the second inning, run-ruled the Panthers, 10-2 in five.

HOW IT HAPPENED

UNI got on the board first in the top of the first inning with a pair of runs to hold an early 2-0 lead. A groundout from Kate Lappe drove in Skylar Benesh. A single off the bat of Sykora Smith drove in Katelyn Callahan for the Cats' second run of the inning.

It was all Iowa State the rest of the way, as the Cyclones scored a run in the bottom of the first, five in the bottom of the second, and four in the bottom of the fourth to hand UNI just its second five-inning loss of the season by a 10-2 final.

BY THE NUMBERS

Skylar Benesh was UNI's lone multi-hit performer of the afternoon, with two hits and a run in three at-bats. Katelyn Callahan scored the Panthers' second run with a hit in two at-bats. In the circle, Kelsey Endress struck out a pair of batters in a one-inning relief effort.

UP NEXT

The Panthers head to Evansville, Indiana, for a three-game series with the Evansville Purple Aces. A Friday doubleheader starting at 2:30 p.m. CT will be followed by a single matchup on Saturday at 2 p.m. CT. All three matchups will be available on ESPN+.

UNI softball action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Softball), X (@UNISoftball), and on Instagram (@unisoftball). The 2026 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.