The ISU tennis team continued its trend of nonconference domination this weekend against Northern Colorado, winning the dual, 4-3, in Greeley, Colo. Unfortunately for the Cyclones, the string of consecutive Big 12 defeats continues to add up.

Friday’s action versus Northern Colorado (2-7) began with a clean sweep of the doubles matches, earning Iowa State (4-3, 0-3) the doubles point. That point proved to be crucial as the Cyclones fought back the surging Bears, going on to win three of six singles matches to narrowly avoid being upset.

Senior Jill Palen cruised in her match, defeating Karen Groll, 6-0, 6-3. Palen was the exception to the rule, however, as three matches went into three sets and two required tie-breakers to decide sets.

Saturday, the Cyclones traveled an hour south to Boulder to take on No. 47 Colorado (6-2, 2-0). In contrast to the fiercely contested dual the day before, Iowa State struggled to find its way against the nationally ranked Buffaloes.

Iowa State lost all nine matches to Colorado, starting with an 8-5 loss by sophomore Kara Hickey and senior Eve Soriano against Camila Belassi and Gleisy Torres Torres, the No. 42-ranked doubles team in the nation. After starting the season 6-0, the pair have dropped back-to-back matches to ranked Big 12 opponents.

In an exhibition that gave credit to their ranking, Colorado was able to put the Cyclones away in straight sets in five of six singles matches. Hickey was able to take a set off of Belassi in singles play, but fell 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 in the No. 2 spot.

Iowa State is now 4-0 in nonconference matches, 0-3 in conference matches for the season.