The ISU tennis team will attempt to defend its home court this weekend, squaring off against Baylor and TCU.

The two meets will also serve as Iowa State’s first Big 12 meets of the season.

Baylor (5-10) comes into Ames after defeating Virginia 4-3 on March 12, 2013, to end a five-meet losing streak.

Baylor’s visit to Ames on March 15 will be its first since its 6-1 victory against the Cyclones in 2008.

“We’re excited to finally get Baylor at home after four years and play them indoors, they being a mostly outdoor team,” said coach Armando Espinosa.

The Cyclones face a new challenge: TCU. This is TCU’s first season as a Big 12 competitor, leaving the Cyclones with no knowledge of it.

“We’ve never played TCU, so it’s definitely going to be an experience for us,” Espinosa said. “We know how Baylor plays and we are more experienced with them, but TCU is all new to us.”

TCU (9-1) comes into Ames as the No. 27-ranked team in the nation. Currently on a six-meet winning streak, its lone loss from then-No. 8 Alabama on Feb. 2.

Senior Jenna Langhorst has played many teams in her four years, but she is excited for the new experience offered by TCU.

“We know that they are a really strong team and we are very excited to play against a new team,” Langhorst said. “It will definitely be a good experience for us.”

TCU’s ranking makes the Cyclones heavy underdogs.

“On paper we’re expected to lose, but we have the ability to go out there and play well against them,” Espinosa said. “You never know what can happen when we go out there and swing well.”

Being aggressive on the doubles side and more relaxed on the singles side will be a focal point for the Cyclones.

“On singles, we just need to be a little more relaxed and not play like underdogs,” Espinosa said. “If we can control our emotions, we can control the match.”

For Langhorst, the label of being an underdog serves as a slight advantage.

“I think being called an underdog helps us,” Langhorst said. “We’re going to go out there and swing and hopefully catch them off guard.”

The elements also have the potential to catch the two southern teams off guard. TCU and Baylor are both predominantly outdoor teams, but will have to play indoors against the Cyclones.

Playing ranked teams is nothing new for the Cyclones, having already played against No. 36 Washington on March 3.

“We’ve played high-caliber teams already this year,” Espinosa said. “The girls won’t be afraid of the challenge.”

Iowa State plays TCU 11 a.m. on March 17 at Ames Racquet and Fitness.