Ames, IA—-The Iowa State women’s basketball team kicked off their 2025-26 season with strong enthusiasm and high expectations, which they backed up spectacularly on Tuesday evening. The Cyclones unofficially opened their campaign with an 84-53 victory against UW-Oshkosh in an exhibition game held at Hilton Coliseum on October 28.
Coach Bill Fennelly was very pleased with the team’s performance. The win, while not counting toward their official record, showcased the team’s potential for the season ahead. Star player Audi Crooks led the Cyclones with 24 points and seven rebounds, with Addy Brown contributing 17 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Freshman transfer Jada Williams, coming from Arizona, impressed in her debut with eight points and seven assists.
“We had a lot of fun,” Williams remarked after the match.
Iowa State established dominance early, entering halftime with a 21-point lead. Brown and Kenzie Hare’s successive three-pointers in the third quarter extended the lead to 57-36. The Cyclones shot an efficient 51.6% from the field, though their three-point accuracy lagged at 29.4%. Defensive tenacity was evident, with Iowa State scoring 19 points off 14 turnovers forced.
Coach Fennelly praised the team’s effort and ball movement but noted the need to improve shooting consistency over time. Hare, recovering from a hip injury that limited her last season, scored six points. Additional solid contributions came from Reese Beaty and Sydney Harris, with nine and eight points respectively.
As the Cyclones prepare for their official season opener against St. Thomas on November 3, they remain focused on internal growth rather than the external hype.
“We’re not going to pay too much attention to the outside noise,” Brown stated. “We care about what’s going on in our locker room.”
Ranked 14th nationally and picked to finish second in the Big 12, Iowa State’s dominant showing against a strong Division III UW-Oshkosh team highlighted their depth and skill. Crooks and Brown were instrumental throughout, fueling a comfortable and commanding win from tip-off to the final buzzer.
This energetic exhibition sets a promising tone as the Cyclones look to build on their recent success and pursue a deep postseason run.
