Now is when the real season starts for the ISU women’s soccer team.

This weekend, the Cyclones (5-2-2) open up Big 12 play on the road, facing Texas Tech and Colorado.

A good start to the conference schedule is critical in the eyes of coach Rebecca Hornbacher.

“We view this as a second season,” Hornbacher said. “Our goals are set very high for our team. It starts by going out and setting the tone for the conference.”

Four straight ISU wins in the heart of last year’s conference schedule led to a 4-6 record. One of those was a victory over the struggling Red Raiders (1-7).

Colorado (3-3-2) gave the Cyclones a 1-0 loss in Ames a year ago, and was picked to finish fifth in the conference in the coaches’ preseason poll.

All three of the Buffaloes losses this season have come to top 25 teams.

“Colorado and Texas Tech are two quality teams,” Hornbacher said.

“Texas Tech, they are a very physical team, very direct. They are also playing their home opener so they will be motivated.”

She said the Buffaloes will be equally tough.

“Colorado has great team speed and some special players,” Hornbacher said.

“They have some great midfielders their forwards are very fast, and they have a big-time goalkeeper.”

She stressed no team can be overlooked.

“In the Big 12, there is so much parody in the conference. Any team can win on any given day,” Hornbacher said.

“Being on the road this weekend is going to be huge.”

Colorado had two players named to the preseason all-Big 12 team in sisters Fran Munnelly and Laura Munnelly.

Cyclone goalkeeper Joanna Haig was also named to the preseason team, and is fourth in the conference in goals against average, allowing just six in nine games (.64).

Renee de St. Aubin is fifth in goals this season with four.

Iowa State will bring a full stock of players into this weekend’s games.

Senior forward Kristina Baumann saw action in last Sunday’s tie against Drake after missing the last five games because of a partially torn meniscus.

Baumann tied for the team lead in points and goals last season.

Freshman reserve Hannah Swanbom missed three games after suffering a concussion. She has also been cleared to play.

“We are definitely looking forward to getting her back,” Hornbacher said.