Penn State taught the ISU women’s basketball team a lot of things by handing it a 66-59 loss in Reno, Nev. In that contest, Iowa State learned that the level of competition has taken a step up.

Iowa State (4-1) isn’t expecting anything less in its next contest against Michigan (7-1) on Sunday in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Michigan features an offense that is tough to simulate in practice.

“Their system with the motion offense is hard to imitate in practice,” said ISU assistant coach Jody Steyer. “We’re big into scouting reports, so that makes things kind of tough. Defensively, they help real early and put pressure on certain spots. It will be a big test.”

Senior guard Courtney Boylan is leading the Wolverines in scoring to start the season, averaging 15 points per game. She is also shooting 6-for-15 from behind the arc during that same stretch.

Boylan is helped out by junior center Rachel Sheffer, who is averaging 12 points per game.

The Cyclones have seen production out of junior forward Chelsea Poppens and freshman forward Brynn Williamson.

Turnovers have been the Achilles’ heel of the team in the past couple games and the players know that has to be corrected quickly.

“Turnovers and fouling and missing our free throws were our main problems during the Thanksgiving tournament,” Poppens said. “Those are just some things that we’re going to have to work on.”

Poppens is averaging 15 points per game during the early part of the season. She has also pulled down an average of 12 rebounds per game and has three double-doubles so far.

Injuries are another concern the Cyclones are facing, as senior Lauren Mansfield suffered a sprained ankle in practice early in the week. She is doubtful against Michigan.

Williamson also discovered a wrist injury after the Reno Invitational and her appearance against Michigan is also in jeopardy.

This would be a setback for the Cyclones because the Kansas City, Mo., native showed she has been able to find her shot. She shot 5-of-9 from 3-point range in the loss to Penn State.

“When you make your shots, it gives you a lot of confidence,” Williamson said. “Especially with my teammates behind me, they’re letting me know that they’re proud of me. The Penn State game was a big confidence booster for me because I found the rhythm and pace that I need to play at.”

The Cyclones could continue to be without starting junior Anna Prins, who has been sidelined for two weeks with a knee injury. She has been limited in practice throughout the week, but the coaching staff is hopeful she will play against Michigan.