The ISU women’s soccer team has two winning streaks and a rivalry to uphold.

Recovering from an 0-3 start, the Cyclones (3-3 overall) have now won three in a row and are looking to move above .500 for the season.

There would be no better way to get it than Tuesday against Iowa (3-2-1). Kickoff is at 7 p.m., and admission is free for ISU students.

“It’s a great in-state rivalry,” said coach Rebecca Hornbacher. “And we want to contribute Cy-Hawk points . They are going to have revenge [on their minds].”

Iowa State has won the last two rivalry games, including a 2-1 decision in Iowa City in 2005. Both teams played during the weekend and had only one day to recuperate and prepare.

The Cyclones got in a light practice and recovery work Monday and looked at the Hawkeyes scouting report. Junior Brittanie Waddell said the day off will work wonders for the aches left from weekend play.

One of only four Iowans on the team, the Urbandale native understands the magnitude of the rivalry. She also stressed the importance of a winning record.

“I mean, it’s Iowa,” Waddell said. “We’re sitting at .500, and I think we all want get over .500. We’re all focused on this game.”

Hornbacher said she thinks playing the week of the football game is an advantage.

“So many people get behind the rivalry and know it’s going on,” Hornbacher said. “And the opportunity is there to let people know about the game. It gives a home-field advantage.”

Iowa returns 18 letterwinners from last year’s team. Iowa State scored two goals in the first 20 minutes in the 2005 rivalry game then held on for the victory.

Both teams are young. Thirteen of Iowa’s 24 players are underclassmen, and 10 are juniors, leaving just one senior. The Cyclones have two seniors, start two freshmen and rotate others into the lineup.

The mix of new players has recently come together, Waddell said, which has shone through in the last three games.

This is the first home game after a four-game road trip for Iowa State. The Cyclones have only three more non-conference games after the Hawkeyes.

“Our defense has corrected a lot of the mistakes we were making at the beginning of the season,” Hornbacher said.

“The forwards have created a lot more scoring opportunities, a lot more shots. Things are coming along. We’re really happy with where we are at.”

Hornbacher said the team is confident after its recent winning streak, including the come-from-behind victory over Northern Iowa on Sunday.

She expects a physical battle from the Hawkeyes.

“When you have a rivalry to this extent, it’s about being composed and playing for 90 minutes and eliminating the mental breakdowns and capitalizing on the opportunities we have,” Hornbacher said.