Iowa Falls to Iowa State in Game 1 of Cy-Hawk Series

Hawkeyes rally but come up short against rival Cyclones in softball matchup

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:09am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a softball game between two teams, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action on the field.A cubist interpretation of the intense rivalry between the University of Iowa and Iowa State University softball teams, as the Hawkeyes and Cyclones battle it out on the diamond.Iowa City Today

The University of Iowa softball team fell to Iowa State, 9-7, on Wednesday evening at Pearl Field in Iowa City. The Cyclones struck first with consecutive home runs in the third inning to take an early 4-0 lead, but the Hawkeyes rallied to tie the game at 7-7 in the sixth inning. However, Iowa State regained the lead with a two-run homer in the seventh to secure the victory.

Why it matters

The Cy-Hawk Series is an annual athletic competition between the University of Iowa and Iowa State University, and this softball matchup is part of the broader rivalry. The loss drops the Hawkeyes to 34-36-2 all-time against the Cyclones, making this an important game in the ongoing battle between the two in-state schools.

The details

Iowa State jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the third inning with back-to-back home runs. The Hawkeyes responded with a three-run homer by Tory Bennett in the bottom of the third to cut the deficit to one. Iowa State added a run in the fourth to make it 5-3, but the Hawkeyes tied it up at 5-5 in the fourth on a two-run homer by Mariah Myers. The Cyclones regained the lead 7-5 in the fifth, but Iowa tied it again 7-7 in the sixth. However, Iowa State secured the win with a two-run homer in the seventh inning.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, April 9, 2026 in Iowa City, Iowa.
  • The Hawkeyes and Cyclones will face off again in the series finale on April 21, 2026 in Ames, Iowa.

The players

Brianna Johnson

A player for the University of Iowa softball team.

Devin Simon

A player for the University of Iowa softball team.

Tory Bennett

A player for the University of Iowa softball team who hit a three-run home run in the third inning.

Nailyn Marshall

A player for the University of Iowa softball team.

Mariah Myers

A player for the University of Iowa softball team who hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning.

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What they’re saying

“These losses can be painful, but they can also become powerful learning moments. It gives them a little edge and fire. If we learn and grow from them, then it's not all negative.”

— Stacy May-Johnson, Head Coach, University of Iowa Softball

What’s next

The Hawkeyes will face Iowa State again in the series finale of the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series on April 21 in Ames, Iowa.

The takeaway

While the loss to their in-state rival was disappointing, the Hawkeyes showed resilience in rallying to tie the game multiple times. Head coach Stacy May-Johnson emphasized that the team can learn and grow from this experience, which could provide valuable motivation and momentum heading into the series finale and the rest of the season.