The ISU tennis team will play its last game of the regular season Saturday afternoon against Nebraska in Lincoln. This will be the final time the Cyclones (10-14, 1-9 Big 12) play a conference meet against the Cornhuskers (18-6, 6-4 Big 12).

“I’ve always thought of the Big 12 as Nebraska being included,” senior Liza Wischer said. “It’s going to be weird when they don’t play them next year as a conference match.”

Last weekend, the Huskers lost to No. 25 Texas and Texas A&M in Lincoln. Both meets were lost by a final score of 5-2, and Wednesday they defeated Colorado by a final score of 7-0 in Boulder.

This will be the last meet for the Cyclones before the Big 12 Championships. Coach Armando Espinosa said that he is seeing a lot of improvement from his team lately.

“We’re starting to play a little bit better as a group,” Espinosa said. “I think individuals are doing fine, but I think overall we’re getting a little bit more consistent efforts throughout the lineup. I think it’s going to be good to get out there and compete and get a little bit more confidence.”

Last weekend, the Cyclones lost to Texas A&M 4-3 and to No. 25 Texas 5-2. Despite the losses, they showed a lot of competitiveness, but Espinosa thinks that they still need to capitalize on their opportunities.

“I don’t think it’s going to change unless we start winning,” Espinosa said. “Against good teams, they’re going to make you pay if you don’t put them away, and that’s exactly what happened against Texas A&M and Texas.”

Last season, the Huskers defeated the Cyclones by a score of 6-1 in Ames. Wischer had the Cyclones’ only singles victory in that meet.

“If the whole team keeps competing like we have been, and everyone goes out there and gives their best effort, we’re going to have a good shot at taking Nebraska down this coming weekend,” Wischer said. “I think that will be a really big confidence booster for everyone.”

The Cyclones take on Nebraska at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Nebraska Tennis Center in Lincoln.