Despite the 51-41 loss to Texas Tech on Sunday, the ISU women’s basketball team is feeling improvement in its play.

The Cyclones started their conference season with a five-game losing streak but have battled to improve their record to 5-7, tying for sixth in the Big 12.

“We’re clicking well and games are flowing for us better,” said senior Lauren Mansfield. “We’re playing with more passion and having fun out there.”

Despite shooting below her 14.6 points per game average, junior Chelsea Poppens maintained her place as one of the best players for Iowa State, scoring 12 points and seven boards.

“I don’t really think about points when I go into the game,” Poppens said. “I always just try to do better on rebounds. I find it easier for me to get rebounds than it is to get points.”

Poppens is currently tied in the Big 12 for most double-doubles with Baylor junior Brittney Griner. They have both earned 11 this season.

Sophomore Hallie Christofferson said a lot of pressure can be placed on Poppens during the games.

“We have to try and take that away from her and make her feel as comfortable as possible so she keeps performing,” Christofferson said of Poppens.

Christofferson pulled down a team-high 13 rebounds for Iowa State on Sunday.

Post play will continue to be the most important aspect of the Cyclones’ upcoming opponents Kansas and Missouri.

“As posts, we do have to think of it as a challenge and we have to work harder than them,” Christofferson said.