Before the football team squares off with the Hawkeyes on Saturday, the ISU women’s soccer team gets first crack at the in-state rival.

Duplicating last year’s success against Iowa won’t be easy, but it would be ideal for the team.

The Cyclones (1-2-1) ended the Hawkeyes’ (2-2-1) season with a 6-1 loss a year ago, but ISU coach Rebecca Hornbacher said she is expecting a more competitive contest from them Wednesday.

“They are going to come at us and come at us hard,” Hornbacher said. “They are going to be up for the rivalry. Last year’s game had no relevance — we have new players and a new team, and so do they. It should be a great game.”

Iowa State jumped all over Iowa early in their last meeting, racing to a 4-0 lead in the first half. It took just one minute and 15 seconds for the Cyclones to score.

After posting only one goal in four games so far this year, another outburst could be in order.

“We are working really hard to get it in,” said sophomore forward Stephanie Kaphingst, who had a score in last year’s game against Iowa and the only one in Friday’s shutout of Purdue.

“Every day in practice we are working on our offense and shooting.”

No matter how many goals her teammates score, goalkeeper Joanna Haig understands the magnitude of the rivalry and said she wants to get a win.

“The Iowa game is always big,” Haig said.

“It doesn’t matter if it is here or in Iowa City — it is always fun to play against Iowa.

“We need to put a full 90 minutes of soccer together and put them away.”

The Hawkeyes have already matched their win total from a year ago when they finished with a woeful record of 2-14-2.

Seven starters from that team return, complemented by a large freshman class that filled in the four remaining starting spots.

Newcomer Stephanie Hyink leads the team in scoring so far this season.

“They have competed well in their first few games,” Hornbacher said. “Plus they have us at home. I have respect for their team.”

Kaphingst said there is more that just one dimension of importance for the game.

“It is a really important game even without the rivalry,” Kaphingst said.

“We are looking to get another win under our belts, especially against the Big 10.”

Wednesday’s game in Iowa City is scheduled for 6 p.m.