With a high ranking come high expectations.

After Monday’s news that it attained a No. 5 national ranking, the ISU gymnastics team’s worth will be put to the test this weekend at home against No. 22 Minnesota (8-3) and at No. 10 Nebraska (11-4-1, 2-1 Big 12 duals).

Coach K.J. Kindler said she believes her team is deserving of their ranking.

“We were very excited to look at the rankings on Monday and see that,” she said. “We felt that we had been making progress the last few weeks and kind of stayed the same in the rankings, so I definitely think we earned it.”

The No. 5 ranking ties for second best in the school history. In 2004, the team was ranked fourth during the week of Jan. 19 and ranked fifth between Jan. 26 and Feb. 9.

With two strong performances this weekend, Kindler said it’s possible that the Cyclones can earn their highest ranking ever.

“They definitely have to put up a couple great scores this weekend,” she said. “The reason it’s so attainable this weekend is we’ll actually have two scores to add to our regional qualifying score, so if they have two good meets, I’d say it’s very possible.”

Winning both meets this weekend is easier said than done, however. After taking on a talented and rising Minnesota team at Hilton Coliseum on Friday night, Iowa State goes on the road to face Nebraska on Sunday afternoon.

The Cornhuskers own a 60-meet home unbeaten streak dating back 13 years. The last time Nebraska lost at home was March 1, 1993.

Kindler didn’t hide the fact that she has concerns about facing Nebraska in Lincoln.

“We tied them – I believe – two years ago, but that’s the closest anyone has come,” she said. “Michigan tied them this year, but no one’s beat them there in a long time – so there’s a challenge there – but I like a challenge and I know the team is motivated toward continuing our winning streak and putting together a good score so we can stay high in the rankings.”

Iowa State tied Nebraska, 198.000-198.000, in Lincoln, Neb., on March 14, 2004.

As far as the gymnasts are concerned, this weekend is just business as usual.

“It’s pretty much the same as what we did a couple weekends ago when we had back-to-back meets here,” said redshirt sophomore Jade Kvach. “We’re not going to be doing much on Saturday – just traveling to Nebraska – and it’s not a super-long drive. We do this every year.”

Senior Erin Dethloff added that it’s not much different than a typical Sunday for the team.

“We usually practice on Sunday and it’s just like a practice – actually less than a practice,” she said.

Friday night’s meet against Minnesota holds a special significance for the team’s seniors, as it will be Senior Night. Typically observed at the last home meet of the year, Senior Night will take place this Friday because the Cyclones last home meet – March 17 vs. Iowa – is during Spring Break.

“I think Senior Night is a very motivational thing for the athletes and I think very little additional motivation will be needed knowing that they’re going to be honored that night and that it’s their special day,” said Kindler.

Iowa State has defeated both Nebraska and Minnesota this season. The Cyclones beat the Golden Gophers Feb. 24,196.075-194.750, and the Cornhuskers Feb. 19, 196.025-195.600.

Friday night’s meet starts at 7 p.m. at Hilton Coliseum, and admission is free for students. Sunday’s meet starts at 2 p.m. at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Neb.