The ISU tennis team aims for four dual wins in a row this weekend when it hosts the No. 26 Texas A&M Aggies in Des Moines.

The Cyclones (3-1, 0-1) are heading into this match with a three-match winning streak, their first since they defeated Northern Iowa, Northern Colorado and Grand Canyon back in early March 2004.

“When we compete in the Big 12, it’s nice to go into conference matches with some wins under our belts for confidence purposes,” coach Michele Conlon said.

“They’ve earned that confidence too – they have played well. We’ve lost maybe one match in the last three outings.”

The task of making it four in a row, though, is a difficult one, as Iowa State’s opponent is last year’s Big 12 runner-up. The Aggies (6-1, 0-0) come to town coming off back-to-back home wins against Louisiana State and Auburn.

The Cyclones’ strength this year has been found mostly in doubles play, where they are a collective 17-3 over the course of the spring season.

This strength will be tested by the Aggies, who boast not only a gaudy team record but also bring two nationally ranked doubles teams to compete on Friday afternoon.

The doubles’ mix of senior Eve Soriano and sophomore Kara Hickey has turned out to be a potent combination this season for the Cyclones as they have started the season off at a perfect 6-0.

Lining up on the other side of the court to challenge this streak will either be the Aggie pair of Anna Lubinsky and Nicki Mechem, currently ranked No. 25 in the country or the Tiffany Clifford and Sarah Foster duo.

“It will be a fun challenge to take,” Hickey said.

“It’s always fun to play good teams and try to go in as the underdog and try to upset them. I think we’re up to the challenge and look forward to it.”