Shepherd’s home runs highlight series against Texas Tech
Iowa State's Kadence Shepherd is tossed in the air by teammates after hitting a grand slam against Texas Tech during a Big 12 Conference softball game, Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Tracy Sellers Field. | Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images LUBBOCK, Texas — With a home run each game in the series against No. 2 Texas Tech, Mizzou transfer Kadence Shepherd’s bat gave Iowa State a daily highlight over the weekend.
The sophomore from Blue Springs, Mo. , connected on her fifth, sixth and seventh home runs of the season. The Cyclones were swept in the series against the Red Raiders, with scores of 9-1 (five innings) on Friday, 10-2 (five innings) on Saturday and 17-6 (five innings) on Sunday.
Game one On Friday night, the No. 2 Texas Tech Red Raiders snapped Iowa State’s five-game winning streak with a dominant 9-1 victory in five innings. The game was defined by harsh conditions, as both teams contended with 25 mph winds and gusts reaching 35 mph.
Despite the elements, Texas Tech’s offense eventually overwhelmed the Cyclones, concluding the game early via the run rule. The scoring began in the bottom of the first inning when Texas Tech took a 1-0 lead. This opening run was the result of a fielder’s choice that led to confusion on the basepaths and a subsequent Iowa State error.
The Cyclones responded immediately in the top of the second inning when Kadence Shepherd launched a solo home run on the first pitch she saw, briefly tying the game at 1-1. However, the Red Raiders regained control in the bottom of the frame, using an RBI groundout and an RBI double to pull ahead 3-1. After a scoreless third inning, Texas Tech began to pull away in the fourth when Lagi Quiroga hit a two-run home run, extending the lead to 5-1.
Continue to the original source for the full article.