The ISU tennis team will aim to beat its third in-state opponent on March 29, 2013 when Northern Iowa visits Ames.

The Panthers (6-4) are coming off a 4-3 win against Lipscomb on March 20.

For the Cyclones (6-10, 0-4 Big 12), this will be their first chance to get a win after losing 7-0 to No. 24 Texas and No. 18 Texas Tech during Spring Break.

“We had two tough losses over Spring Break, so we need to get a win and get our confidence back,” said sophomore Caroline Hauge Andersen. “We are excited to play them.”

Junior Ksenia Pronina views the March 29 meet as a chance to leave the team’s last two losses in the rear-view mirror.

“It’s important that we don’t get upset about our past two losses and start to question ourselves,” Pronina said. “We need to look forward and play with confidence.”

The meet on March 29 against Northern Iowa will be the fourth time Iowa State has played a team from the state of Iowa this season. The Cyclones lost to Iowa 6-1 on Jan. 26 before beating Drake 5-2 on March 8 and Grand View 7-0 on March 9.

“We all really want to win,” Pronina said. “It’s important for our future matches and they are an in-state opponent, so we do not want to lose to them.”

Coach Armando Espinosa said consistency in doubles and starting strong will be key for the team in the meet, as well as in future matches.

“It’s just a matter of time before these double teams get going. We’ve had good performances against good teams; we just need more consistency,” Espinosa said. “My goal is for us to come out strong like we did against University of Missouri-Kansas City and just get in and get out.”

The meet against the Panthers will begin at 2:45 p.m on March 29 at Ames Racquet and Fitness.