In Big 12 Conference softball, any seed lower than No. 6 for the postseason tournament is tantamount to early elimination. That’s why this weekend’s two-game series with Iowa State is so important for Kansas.

“I know we have to win both games,” KU coach Tracy Bunge said, “and we have to get some help.”

KU is scheduled to conclude the regular season with games against the Cyclones at 2 p.m. today and 1 p.m. Sunday, both at Jayhawk Field.

In the conference tourney, seeds lower than No. 6 must play a first-day doubleheader with the second game against either the No. 1 or No. 2 seed. However, seeds three through six don’t play until the morning of the second day.

For Kansas to reach the coveted No. 6 slot, Oklahoma State has to lose twice at league-leading Texas this weekend and Kansas has to sweep Iowa State. It’s that simple.

“These games are obviously very important for us,” Bunge said.

Bunge will probably use freshman Serena Settlemier on the mound in the first game. Settlemier has been KU’s best pitcher in league games with a 2-3 record and an 0.84 ERA.

In the second game, Bunge is undecided on whether to pitch Kara Pierce, Kirsten Milhoan or Kelly Campbell. Pierce leads the KU mound staff with 11 victories, but has struggled in Big 12 play, in part because of a wrist injury.

Kansas has a 6-10 record in the Big 12 and is 30-22 overall. Iowa State stands 5-11 in the league and 17-22 in all games. The Cyclones cannot finish any higher than No. 7 in the seedings for next week’s league meet in Oklahoma City.

Regardless, the Cyclones have improved over last year when they finished dead last in league standings.

“They’re leading the league in hitting, and that’s legit,” Bunge said. “And defensively they’re not beating themselves. They have some talent and they’ve played much, much better.”

KU will recognize its eight seniors  seven of them starters  on Sunday.

The eight are outfielders Christi Musser, Shelly Musser and Leah Tabb; infielders Megan Urquhart, Courtney Wright and Amy Hulse; designated player Katie Campbell; and pitcher Kelly Campbell.

Christi Musser, the Jayhawks’ left fielder, has enjoyed her best season. She leads the team with a .367 batting average, eight home runs, 32 runs scored and 29 RBIs.

Twin sister Shelly, a three-time All-Big 12 selection, is second in hitting at .296.