It seemed as if rival Nebraska was well on its way to beating Iowa State for the 10th straight time. After back and forth racing all day the Cyclones needed to take the three top spots in the 200 individual medley and first and third in the 400 medley relay.

Iowa State (0-0-1) did just that and hopes the momentum from tying Nebraska will carry into this weekend’s meets.

“Our coaches told us going into it that we needed to go one, two, three to have a chance at winning or tying,” said individual medley swimmer Sarah Deis.

Teammates Marissa Engel and Imelda Wistey finished second and third respectively, to complete the sweep. Then to finish the meet up Iowa State placed first and third 400 medley to clinch the tie at 150-150.

The team comeback was sparked by a near return of an individual. Freshman Karyl Clarete nearly came from a full body length back in the 1000 freestyle, only to be out touched by .4 seconds.

“That really carried the momentum through the 200s, because we came in one, two, three in that, so I think that energy from the 1000 just carried on,” Clarete said.

The Cyclones hope to ride that positive momentum into this weekend, where they will face a different type of competition.

“It’s really exciting that that was our first meet and then to look forward and wonder what we are going to be able to accomplish this season,” Deis said.

Friday the Cyclones will face off against South Dakota State, who Iowa State is 8-0 against all-time, including a 184-102 win last season.

South Dakota State is currently 1-1 on the season, with a loss to North Dakota and a win against Nebraska-Omaha. The Jackrabbits were picked to finish fourth out of seven teams in the Summit league preseason polls. The team also returns five all-league performers from a year ago.

After that, the team travels to South Dakota, who Iowa State is 6-0 against all-time, including a 246-53 win last season. In an effort to keep the team focused and competitive, ISU coach Duane Sorenson will employ a number of strategies.

South Dakota has competed in only one dual so far this year and lost to Minnesota State-Mankato by a close score of 147.5 to 152.5. The Coyotes were picked to finish one spot behind South Dakota State in the Summit League preseason polls at fifth.

In order to avoid overlooking their opponent, the team will focus not only on beating their opponents but also on racing each other and going after school record times. Sorenson will also place his swimmers in different events.

Instead of competing in their best events, the swimmers will get time to work on their weaker events.

“It will allow other people to shine, but they still need to stand up and race,” Sorenson said. “We can’t take anybody for granted.”