The ISU tennis team faces a stiff test Friday afternoon when it plays host to the No. 20 Texas Longhorns in its Big 12 dual opener. The Cyclones come into the meet as significant underdogs, but have upset on the brain.

Texas boasts one of the most storied programs in the tough Big 12 Conference and is 21-0 in matches against the Cyclones over the past three seasons.

Coach Michele Conlon, however, thinks her team is very prepared to compete and wouldn’t be surprised at all to see the girls pull off some upsets.

“We’ve seen [Texas] play; we’ve got nothing to lose,” she said. “I think we’ve got a team that is pretty focused and hungry.”

Senior Jill Palen, who achieved early season tournament success in singles and doubles action, agrees with her coach’s sentiment.

“Tennis is a sport where on any given day, anyone can beat anyone,” she said. “I think if we come out firing and ready to play . we have the capability to pull off some upsets.”

Last year, Iowa State traveled to the Lone Star State and was forced to forfeit because of heavy storms, giving then-No. 3 Texas a 7-0 default victory.

Jill Palen and sophomore Kara Hickey were both engaged in competitive matches at the first and second positions when the matches were called. This year the dual will be held indoors, ensuring that the matches will be played to their conclusions.

This is the first Big 12 match for freshmen Alyssa Palen and Dora Losonczy.