Cyclones Break Through in Provo, Win Series Against BYU

Iowa State softball team secures first-ever series victory on the Cougars' home field.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:09pm

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the powerful, explosive movements of a softball player swinging a bat, capturing the raw athletic energy of the Iowa State Cyclones' landmark series win.The Iowa State Cyclones' record-breaking offensive display fuels their historic series victory over BYU in Provo.Provo Today

The Iowa State Cyclones softball team achieved a landmark series victory this weekend at Gail Miller Field in Provo, Utah, winning two out of three games against BYU. The weekend was highlighted by a historic offensive display on Thursday, where the Cyclones broke the single-season home run record, and concluded with a resilient Saturday performance to clinch the series.

Why it matters

This series win is a significant milestone for the Iowa State softball program, as they have historically struggled to find success against BYU on the road. The Cyclones' ability to overcome this challenge and secure the series victory demonstrates the team's growth and competitiveness within the conference.

The details

In the series opener, Iowa State set a new single-season home run record with 66 long balls, surpassing the previous mark of 64 set in 2021. Karlee Ford led the offensive onslaught with a multi-home run game and four RBIs, while Reagan Bartholomew and Kadence Shepherd also contributed home runs in the 14-10 victory. On Friday, BYU responded with a 6-5 walk-off win to even the series, but Iowa State clinched the series on Saturday with a 9-6 victory, powered by consistent scoring and timely power hitting.

  • The series took place from April 16-18, 2026 in Provo, Utah.
  • On Thursday, April 16, Iowa State set a new single-season home run record with 66 long balls.
  • On Friday, April 17, BYU defeated Iowa State 6-5 in a walk-off win to even the series.
  • On Saturday, April 18, Iowa State clinched the series with a 9-6 victory over BYU.

The players

Karlee Ford

An Iowa State softball player who delivered a standout performance in the series opener, hitting her first career multi-home run game and driving in four RBIs.

Reagan Bartholomew

An Iowa State softball player who contributed a home run in the series opener, which was the Cyclones' 66th of the season, breaking the previous school record.

Kadence Shepherd

An Iowa State softball player who hit a home run in the series opener, contributing to the Cyclones' record-breaking offensive display.

Hailey Shuler

A BYU softball player who hit two home runs and drove in four RBIs in the series opener, attempting to keep pace with Iowa State's offensive onslaught.

Lauren Schurman

The Iowa State softball pitcher who earned her 15th win of the season after pitching six innings in the series opener.

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What’s next

Iowa State hosts Iowa on Tuesday at 4 p.m. On April 8, the Cyclones met the Hawkeyes in Iowa City and won 9-7.

The takeaway

The Cyclones' ability to overcome their historical struggles against BYU and secure the series victory on the road demonstrates the team's growth, competitiveness, and offensive firepower within the conference. This achievement sets the stage for continued success as Iowa State looks to build on this momentum in their upcoming matchup against in-state rival Iowa.