It’s tough to bounce back from a loss to any conference foe, especially against a very evenly matched opponent.

But that’s exactly what the ISU swimming and diving team hopes to do – even during a very busy weekend.

The Cyclones (3-2, 0-1 Big 12) pit their skills against the Northern Colorado Bears and the University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks in Omaha, Neb., in a double dual 6 p.m. Friday before traveling to Lincoln for a Big 12 dual meet 1 p.m. Saturday with the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Iowa State will try to rebound from a 169-126 loss to Missouri last Friday.

The Mavericks (7-3) are coming off of a 168-61 victory over Nebraska-Kearney last Sunday. The Bears (4-8) last took to the pool Friday, when they split a double dual, losing to Loyola Marymount 142-120 and defeating Cal Poly 207-91.

The last time the Cyclones met the Mavericks, Iowa State came out on top 184-114.

Iowa State and Northern Colorado both swam against South Dakota State this season, with the Cyclones defeating them 197-72 and the Bears defeating them 214-80.

Swimming Coach Duane Sorenson said because of the other teams’ lineups, the Cyclones may change their lineup Friday.

“Both teams have a few very good individuals, but not a lot of depth,” Sorenson said. “Because of that we are looking to swim some kids in different events and change the lineup a little bit.”

The Huskers (6-1, 0-1) are also trying to even their Big 12 record on Saturday after dropping their Big 12 opener last Saturday to Kansas 176-124.

“Saturday will be a very challenging – but very winnable – meet,” Sorenson said. “They’re strong in some events and we’re strong in some events.”

Sorenson also said there will be a few events that will come down to who wants it more.

“There are a few toss-up events that we hope to come out ahead in, such as the 100 and 200 butterfly,” Sorenson said. “These events look very close on paper and will come down to whoever wants it more.”

Iowa State and Nebraska swam in the same meets twice this year. The Cyclones placed sixth and seventh in the Big 12 Relays and the Minnesota Invitational, respectively. The Huskers finished one spot ahead of the Cyclones in both of those meets.

Iowa State lost to Nebraska 189-110 last year.

Senior Kim Rogers said she thinks this weekend will prepare the Cyclones for the Big 12 championships in late February.

“It is a great idea to swim back-to-back days,” Rogers said. “It will make us tougher with our mental preparation.”

Diving coach Jeff Warrick said freshman Kali Fryklund came out of a nasty fall in last Friday’s meet with just a concussion.

“Kali is doing really well, she’s just dealing with the headaches,” Warrick said. “It is good that she came away with no real damage and she’s going to bounce back fairly quick.

“It was a best case scenario.”

The Cyclones host the Kansas Jayhawks in a dual meet – the final home meet for the seniors – Feb. 3 and 4 at Beyer Hall.