Like many ISU students, the gymnastics team is headed south for Spring Break.

They’re just not going for the parties.

On Friday, No. 4 Iowa State (12-2, 4-0 Big 12 duals) will take on No. 14 Arizona State (10-3) in Tempe, Ariz.

The Cyclones No. 4 ranking ties for the highest ranking in school history. Iowa State was previously the fourth-ranked team in the nation during the week of Jan. 19, 2004.

The Cyclone gymnasts are thrilled.

“I think it’s awesome that we have our highest ranking ever,” junior Katie Lasher said. “It gives us a lot of confidence headed down to Arizona.”

Even with the team consistently moving up the rankings, Kindler still holds the same expectations for her team that she has all season.

“I want our team to continue to put out good performances and continue to move toward peaking at the Big 12 Championships and NCAA regionals,” she said.

Despite the pressure to perform well and maintain their high ranking, the Cyclones are certainly looking forward to going to Arizona for a few days.

“We’re excited to go down where it’s warm and away from the cold and rain of Iowa,” said redshirt sophomore Jade Kvach. “This is probably as close to a Spring Break as we’re going to get.”

Kindler stressed, however, that the Sun Devils can’t been taken lightly, especially considering Arizona State is ranked higher on vault (No. 8) than the Cyclones (No. 9).

“Arizona State is very strong on vault and bars, so we have to start the meet out strong on vault and bars to go into floor in a very good position,” she said.

Currently, Iowa State is the third-ranked team in the country on both floor exercise and balance beam, making them a dangerous threat during the second half of the meets.

After taking on the Sun Devils, Iowa State will face the challenge of a vengeful Iowa team. Iowa comes to town on March 17 looking to gain some revenge over the Cyclones after Iowa State won the first meeting, 195.700-193.375, on Jan. 28. With the win, the Cyclones clinched victory for all of ISU athletics in the Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk series.

Lasher is expecting Iowa to have a strong desire to avenge their previous loss.

“They are always going to want revenge, but we’re just a better team overall,” she said.

The Cyclones are also looking to have their fourth Big 12 gymnast of the week in the last five weeks. Earlier this week, junior Janet Anson was given the honor for the second time this season and fourth time in her career.

Friday night’s action begins at 7:30 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Ariz. The meet against Iowa begins at 7 p.m. March 17 at Hilton Coliseum.