A tone-setting stretch is in store for the ISU women’s soccer team, starting with Friday’s home opener against Purdue.

The Cyclones (0-1-1) will open this weekend’s Big Ten/ Big 12 challenge against the 1-1 Boilermakers.

Iowa State is not just looking for its first win of the season, the team is also hoping to score its first goal.

Coach Rebecca Hornbacher said her team needs to develop an offensive rhythm, as the Cyclones play five games in the next nine days.

“It’s really good for us to be able to be at home,” Hornbacher said. “[Purdue and Indiana] have very quality teams, are very well-coached and have a good level of athleticism. We are prepared for two battles.”

Iowa State plays the Indiana Hoosiers (0-1-1) on Sunday afternoon. Although they won’t face the Cyclones, the Missouri Tigers will also be in town.

The Cyclones opened the season with a double-overtime, scoreless tie against Mississippi State and a 2-0 loss to Mississippi last weekend.

“We had a good weekend last weekend; I saw a lot of positive things,” Hornbacher said. “But we are still looking for that first win.”

Wednesday holds a matchup at intrastate rival Iowa. Iowa State has two home games against South Dakota State and Colorado College next weekend, as well.

“Five games in the state of Iowa and four at Iowa State — we will set the tone early as a team,” Hornbacher said. “Putting the ball in the back of the net is going to be our focus.”

Defender Deb Benakis said she is looking forward to the competition.

“It should be a fun weekend,” Benakis said. “We are excited to be at home and playing against the Big Ten; they’re solid opponents.

“It’s good to have them come in here, and we should have a good match.”

The tournament kicks off at the ISU soccer complex Friday at 7 p.m.

“We definitely want to get out there and go at them and have that mentality to just go out there and score,” said forward Kristina Baumann.