This weekend, the ISU tennis team will try to change its luck against conference foes.

Iowa State got its first win of the season March 4 against Northern Colorado, but has since dropped three straight to Big 12 opponents.

The Cyclones, who are 1-6 on the season, travel to Texas this weekend to take on conference foes Baylor and Texas Tech.

The women have had a slew of bad luck this season, beginning with the loss of Eve Soriano to a broken ankle. The injury forced the Cyclones to play with the minimum amount of players, and after losing their No. 2 player, Caitlin Loprinzi, to foot and ankle injuries, they have been forced to forfeit matches early in the season.

But the team’s luck may finally be turning around. After an OK from the doctor, Loprinzi will return this weekend after a month’s rest.

The return will not be an easy transition, as she still has a cast on her left arm and will be forced to hit a one-handed backhand.

“I’ve never hit a backhand shot with one hand before, so it’s difficult and frustrating. I have had three days to practice it, though, so I’m not going in completely cold,” she said.

“My foot is feeling much better, and I was getting really antsy to play.”

Loprinzi’s return seems to have ignited a renewed sense of confidence in the women. Halfway through the season without a conference win, the team has to turn that confidence into a driving force.

“We are really excited to play [Texas Tech] this year,” said sophomore Jill Palen, Iowa State’s No. 1 player.

“Last year’s match against them was so close. I feel like we have a better team this year. We have a lot more depth.”

Because of Loprinzi’s injuries, coach Michele Conlon has decided to play her in the No. 4 singles spot. This move will allow sophomore Danielle Uscinski to play at the No. 2 spot and junior Beth Chermel to play at the No. 3 position.

Last year, Iowa State lost to Texas Tech at home 4-3, and in a not-so-close match against Baylor, they fell 7-0.

Palen said Baylor, ranked 15th in the nation, always has a good tennis program and defeating it will not be easy.

Loprinzi said she believes a win over both teams is possible, but only if Iowa State can bring their best game.

“Everyone has good days and bad days,” Loprinzi said.

“We just need to have all of our good days fall on the same day.”