The ISU women’s golf team put their hot streak to the test when they opened the Big 12 Championship Monday in Lincoln, Neb.

The three-day event is what the Cyclones have been looking forward to the entire season.

“It’s the way your season is always remembered,” said coach Christie Martens. “Everyone wants to play well. It’s the time we all want to peak.”

After the first round, Iowa State found itself in a tie with Texas Tech for fifth place. The Cyclones are eight shots behind Oklahoma State, the tournament’s leader.

Jessica Shin led Iowa State with an opening round 75, good for a tie for fifth individually. Texas A&M’s Ashley Knoll leads the tournament after round one, shooting a three-under-par 69.

Junior Christi Athas opened with a 77, as did Karly Pinder. Kendra Hanson fired an 80 for the Cyclones, and Melissa DeRoos came in with an opening 87.

Although the tournament goes a long way in determining if teams will make it to the NCAA Regionals in May, Iowa State is trying not to put extra pressure on itself.

“We continue to prepare in the same way,” Martens said. “We’ve been working on a lot of short game.”

Athas, a leader on this year’s squad, said she agrees that it’s important to approach it like any other tournament.

“I’ve played in Big 12 Championships before,” Athas said. “I know if you put more pressure on this tournament, you’re not going to play as well.”

After struggling for most of the season, the Cyclones have played well in their past two tournaments, finishing sixth and eighth, respectively. The golfers said they are confident the momentum will transfer to this week’s tournament.

“I think it really will [transfer],” Athas said.

“We’ve had really good practice the past two weeks.”

Martens added the team’s recent progress has helped to enhance individual performance.

“Everyone has been playing well,” she said.

All of the Cyclone golfers have been improving their play recently.

Athas has been the most notable, placing in the top five in the past two tournaments. She also leads Iowa State with a 77.3 stroke average.

“It feels great,” Athas said. “It’s been kind of an up-and-down year, and the last few tournaments have made our season.”

It’s clear Athas has become one of the better individual golfers in the Big 12.

“Honestly, I don’t know,” Athas said when asked about the latest surge. “The last couple tournaments have been relaxing. My game has been coming together at the right time.”

The Big 12 Championship marks the first time the Cyclones will play in the Midwest this spring. Martens said she thinks that will help the team’s chances.

“It’s a big advantage for us,” Martens said.

“It’s a little bit different mentality in the Midwest compared to the north or south.”

The team is anticipating a top finish.

“At worst we want to finish in the top half,” Athas said. “Hopefully closer to the top.”