Iowa State opens up its Big 12 season this weekend with a three-game series against No. 23 Oklahoma.

The Cyclones got off to a strong start this season going 13-3 through their first 16 games. A combination of dominant pitching, clean defense and a potent offense from top to bottom led Iowa State early.

Since then, however, the Cyclones have dropped eight of their past 12, bringing their record to 17-11 heading into conference play.

With a ranked opponent coming to town, Iowa State is hoping to take advantage of the home field to get back to its winning ways.

“Our team definitely likes playing in front of the home crowd,” said second baseman Sara Davison. “It really brings the intensity level up and we play best when we’re excited for the games and focused.”

Iowa State is 5-1 while playing at home this season. After sweeping the opening weekend in the Bergstrom Football Complex by going 4-0, the Cyclones split the outdoor home-opening doubleheader with Northern Illinois.

Coming off a dramatic victory in walk-off fashion March 23 against the Huskies, Iowa State’s goal is to keep the intensity level high.

Aly Cappaert’s home run sent the Huskies home with a loss, and gave the Cyclones the confidence they were searching for heading into Big 12 play.

“We’ve gone through a lot of things this season,” said ISU coach Stacy Gemeinhardt-Cesler. “Initially we were trying to relax and have a bit of fun. Now we’ve gone the other direction trying to take a different approach, we’re just looking for a reset button.”

After doubleheader against South Dakota was canceled due to inclement weather, the Cyclones will have some extra time to reset for Oklahoma on Friday.

The Sooners are riding a three-game winning streak into Ames this weekend with an overall record of 21-8.

Aiming to get on track, Iowa State will strive to get back to what was working at the start of the season. Playing sound defense, having a reliable pitching staff, along with a productive offense will be what the Cyclones will lean on during Big 12 play.

“We’ve been working on getting our focus back in practice lately,” said right fielder Sarah Hawryluk. “Just working hard and trying to take it one game at a time.”

Playing outside consistently at home might be the difference maker Iowa State is looking for. After back-to-back sub .500 weekends at the Shocker Classic and Class Act Classic, the Cyclones could use a bit of that home field advantage to turn it around.

Iowa State will host three contests with Oklahoma, the opener starting at 4 p.m. Friday. The Cyclones and Sooners will again face off against each other at 12 p.m. Saturday and again at noon Sunday.