No. 25 Iowa State’s battles this weekend continued even after defeating No. 24 North Carolina State and George Washington Friday in Raleigh, N.C.

The Cyclones (6-1-1, 1-1 Big 12) had to immediately face the winter storms after leaving Raleigh. Iowa State was able to make it to Memphis, Tenn., before their flight to Des Moines was delayed. The team then was able to fly to Minneapolis, Minn., and return to Ames on a bus from there.

ISU coach Jay Ronayne said that everyone was a little worn out after the whole ordeal.

“It was hell,” Ronayne said. “This was a trip that should take about four hours. After all was said and done it was 18 hours worth of travel.”

Despite travel troubles, the Cyclones were back in the gym Sunday to start preparing for the No. 5 Oklahoma Sooners. Freshman Michelle Shealy, who won the all-around competition Friday with a score of 38.875, was pleased with how Sunday practice went.

“We are really focusing on vault this week because that was one of our struggles this past meet,” Shealy said. “Our first practice back went really well on vault and so we are really excited.”

Also performing well for Iowa State was senior Jacquelyn Holmes, who is really hitting her stride this season winning the bars with a score of 9.800 and a career best on the beam scoring 9.775. Performing in front of her family in her home state gave Holmes an extra boost of confidence.

“Right when we touched down from the plane I was just really excited to be out there and showing my family what college gymnastics is all about,” Holmes said.

Next up for the Cyclones are the Sooners (8-0, 1-0 Big 12) who will be Iowa State’s second Big 12 opponent this season. After falling to No. 9 Nebraska earlier in the season, the Cyclones will look to make a name for themselves in the Big 12.

Iowa State is projecting tremendous confidence after performing well against non-conference opponents and will look to carry that momentum into a duel against the Sooners.

“Having the wins definitely boosts up your confidence,” Holmes said. “You just go into the next weekend and say, ‘Yes, we won last weekend and can do it again this weekend.'”

This Big 12 dual meet is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Friday.