The Ames softball team walked away with a 9-1 win on Tuesday in a Story County showdown against Gilbert.

After this non-conference matchup, the Little Cyclones improved to 19-14 (10-4 Alliance-North) and the Tigers dropped to 12-14 (3-8 Raccoon River).

Kiley Sodahl commanded the circle for six innings for Ames, yielding only one run while recording six strikeouts and allowing no walks.

The Ames offense provided substantial support, totaling 10 hits to drive in its nine runs. Mya Geffre led the lineup, going two-for-three with a double, an RBI and two runs scored. Rhea Rudrapatna was also instrumental, contributing two RBI singles, while Kate Nigh added a powerful RBI triple.

Other key contributions came from Hailey Craig, who singled twice and scored twice, and Taylor Glenney, who collected a hit in the balanced offensive attack.

Gilbert’s scoring was limited to a single run in the top of the fourth inning. Jada Lande initiated the rally with a leadoff double and was eventually driven home by a ground ball from Michaela Nissen.

Lande finished the game two-for-three with two doubles, matching teammate Sammy Johnson, who also went two-for-three and recorded the team’s only stolen base. Cecelia Hart contributed a hit for Gilbert, but the team struggled to string together enough offense to challenge Ames’ lead.

Gilbert used three different pitchers in an attempt to slow the Little Cyclones. Michaela Nissen started and threw 3.2 innings, allowing four runs on five hits. Ali Wibholm followed in relief, surrendering four runs in 1.1 innings and taking the loss. Ally Nelson made a brief appearance, giving up one additional run on two hits.

Ultimately, the combination of Sodahl’s dominance and Ames’ timely hitting proved insurmountable for Gilbert.