CORVALLIS, Ore. – After an entire season of buildup, it all comes down to this for the ISU women’s gymnastics team.

This has been one of the most dominating seasons in the history of ISU women’s gymnastics, and now the Cyclones (20-4) head to Corvallis, Ore., this week looking to earn a prize only five non-wrestling ISU teams – men’s or women’s – have achieved in any sport – an NCAA National Championship.

When the fourth-ranked Cyclones step into Gill Coliseum on Thursday for the second qualifying session of the day, however, they know they have to take one step at a time. With 12 of the nation’s top teams competing Thursday and the top six qualifying for Friday’s Super Six finals, Iowa State certainly doesn’t want to get ahead of itself.

“Certainly our goal is to make the Super Six, but we’re not looking beyond any team. We have to go out there and earn it,” said gymnastics coach K.J. Kindler.

It’s clear to Kindler her team is about to embark down its toughest path of the season, and it starts with five of the best teams in the country.

“I think any group at Nationals is going to be tough,” Kindler said. “You get down to the final 12 in the country and everyone you’re competing against is going to be difficult. We have to prepare for that, that all five of the other teams are the toughest teams in the country.”

To qualify for the Super Six, Iowa State has to earn third place or higher in the second session Thursday. Facing Iowa State in this session includes three of the Southeastern Conference’s best: Top-ranked Georgia (26-0), who is ranked No. 1 in the nation in every event and is the defending national champion, No. 3 Florida (26-5) and No. 18 Arkansas (12-15).

Also competing against the Cyclones is host team No. 16 Oregon State (24-10), which Iowa State beat earlier this season, and No. 11 Arizona State (19-7), who holds the distinction of being the only team to defeat the Cyclones twice this season.

“It could come down to any teams really,” said senior Kacey Oiness. “Any of those six teams we’re with could be in the top three – it’s just a matter of which teams hit that night.”

Needless to say, ISU gymnasts have their work cut out for them, but as has always been the case this season, remain confident going into the meet.

“We’re not really concerned about anything and we’re just focusing on what we know we need to do,” Oiness said. “We want to go there like any other meet and hit our stuff and go all out. I just want to go out there and give it my best because it’s my last competition.”

Kindler added that her team has to give it their absolute all.

“There’s no holding back at this point,” she said. “We won’t be conservative, I’ll tell you that much. We have to put our best routines out there and just go for it.”

The Cyclones will make history if they qualify for Friday’s Super Six competition. Iowa State has never moved out of the first day sessions, taking eighth place during its previous two trips to Nationals in 2000 and 2005.

Senior Jessica Oney said she is excited for the meet and believes that the Cyclones have what it takes to reach the Super Six. She said the support of dedicated ISU fans will help spur on the Cyclones.

“I know a lot of the parents are going and we have some regular fans that travel all over the country to see us, so hopefully we’ll have a pretty good crowd in comparison to some of the other teams,” she said.

The NCAA National Women’s Gymnastics Championship second session begins at 9 p.m. Thursday at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis, Ore.

NCAA Women’s Gymnastics National Championship Second Session Competitors

(Top three qualify for Friday’s Super Six Finals; national rankings and average scores)

Iowa State (20-4) – 2006 Big 12 champion, this season the Cyclones had more wins than any season in Iowa State history.

Overall (4) – 196.540

Vault (7) – 49.215

Bars (10) – 49.045

Beam (3) – 49.145

Floor (2) – 49.310

Georgia (26-0) – The NCAA Southeast regional and SEC champion, the GymDawgs are the only undefeated team in the country and the defending National champion.

Overall (1) – 197.305

Vault (1) – 49.475

Bars (1) – 49.380

Beam (1) – 49.270

Floor (1) – 49.410

Florida (26-5) – The NCAA South Central regional champion, the Gators have the potential to really shake things up in Corvallis.

Overall (3) – 196.570

Vault (5) – 49.265

Bars (8) – 49.070

Beam (4) – 49.130

Floor (6) – 49.230

Arizona State (19-7) – Only team to defeat Iowa State twice this season, the Sun Devils defeated the Cyclones to become the NCAA North Central Region champion.

Overall (11) – 196.120

Vault (8) – 49.205

Bars (12) – 49.010

Beam (7) – 49.060

Floor (15) – 49.045

Oregon State (24-10) – The Beavers surprised many by qualifying for this year’s Nationals, which they are hosting. Lost to Iowa State earlier this season.

Overall (16) – 195.530

Vault (21) – 48.915

Bars (16) – 48.910

Beam (13) – 48.940

Floor (18) – 49.010

Arkansas (12-15) – The Gym’Backs are the biggest underdog of the field. One of five SEC teams to qualify for Nationals.

Overall (18) — 195.290

Vault (20) – 48.915

Bars (20) – 48.800

Beam (18) – 48.800

Floor (17) – 49.030

– Cody Saveraid