Iowa State’s swimming and diving team is not underestimating the UNI Panthers as it prepares for this weekend’s meet.

The Cyclones said even though they finished fourth out of the nine teams that participated in the Nebraska Invitational held Nov. 20 to 23 and the Panthers came in last, they expect tough competition this weekend.

“They are a good team and some of the events could be close, but we feel confident that we can win,” said senior breast-stroker Marni Benson.

One of the events Benson said she feels especially confident in is the 100-meter breaststroke, in which Benson and sophomore Jeli Nixt led Iowa State to a one-two finish at the Nebraska Invitational.

Last season, the Cyclones won handily against Northern Iowa and expect their hard work over Thanksgiving to lead to similar results this year.

“All the girls worked pretty hard to stay in shape over Thanksgiving Break, so we feel prepared for Saturday’s meet,” Benson said.

Last season’s win over the Panthers gave the Cyclones their 15th straight win in the rivalry.

Diver Tien Tran won both the 1- and 3-meter events last year, scoring 258.60 and 269.77, respectively. Tran is an All-Big 12 diver and has been performing well all season, winning a total of five events.

Northern Iowa’s best swimmer — freshman long-distance swimmer Chelsea Hartman — set of school record in the 1,650-meter freestyle with a time of 17 minutes, 26.48 seconds at the Nebraska Invitational. Northern Iowa will come into this weekend’s meet without a win, while Iowa State is 4-1.