PROVO, Utah – Iowa State (16-23, 5-11 Big 12) dropped its series-opening game to the BYU Cougars (24-19, 6-13 Big 12) on Thursday night, falling 5-1.

A pair of home runs from Keila Kamoku sparked the Cougar offense, as she drove in three runs and was one of two players to have multiple hits in the game. BYU also got lockdown relief pitching from Ailana Agbayani who entered in the fourth inning and finished the game without allowing a hit.

The Cyclones, who are aiming for their first-ever win in Provo, were limited to just three hits on the night. Milaysia Ochoa accounted for the only Cyclone run, as the senior torched her second home run in her last three games. Ashley Minor and Camille Marin also both had hits on the night.

Jaiden Ralston got the start in the circle for the Cyclones, pitching the first 3.1 innings before re-entering in the sixth to record the final two outs. Ralston was relieved in the middle innings by Lauren Schurman who allowed three runs on five hits during her time in the game.

Maddie Udall joined Kamoku with two hits on the evening, with the third baseman recording a triple in the game. Five other Cougars had hits on the night with both Maddie Bejarano and Hailey Morrow earning RBI.

Chloe Temples started the game for BYU, tossing 3.1 innings of action. Temples allowed three hits and a run-on Ochoa’s homer. Ailana Agbayani delivered in relief, striking out three in 3.2 innings of scoreless relief.

Thursday Notes

Home Runs

Iowa State: Milaysia Ochoa (4)

BYU: Keila Kamoku 2(6)

WP – Ailana Agbayani (4-1): 3.2 IP, 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, 3 strikeouts

SV – N/A

LP – Jaiden Ralston (3-6): 4.0 IP, 4 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk, 1 strikeout

On Deck

The Cyclones will return to Gail Miller Field tomorrow, April 19, to match up against the Cougars in the second game of the weekend series. Iowa State and BYU will meet on Friday at 7 p.m. CT and the game will be streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.