The ISU women’s tennis team will probably have to face the elements Saturday as it competes against Colorado in Boulder, Colo.

Boulder, which is notorious for its unpredictable weather, is expected to reach 64 degrees this weekend, well above the average temperature for this time of year. Although nothing is set in stone, the Cyclones are preparing for the chance to play on outdoor courts.

“Playing outside could be to [Colorado’s] advantage, because we haven’t played outside since October,” said coach Michele Conlon.

“When you play outdoors, you have to deal with the elements like the sun and the wind.”

Conlon said the team will arrive Friday to practice on an outdoor court. In addition to the unpredictable weather, the high altitude in Boulder also challenges visiting teams.

Junior Beth Chermel, who played in Colorado two years ago, said altitude makes a noticeable difference.

“The ball sails more, and you get out of breath easier,” she said.

To compensate for the altitude change, Chermel said the team has been working on consistency of ball placement.

She said because the ball tends to sail more, it is difficult to hit hard. The only way to combat this is to put spin on the ball.

The women have yet to record their first Big 12 win. After falling to Kansas and Oklahoma last weekend, Conlon said the team is motivated to take home a win Saturday.

“This past weekend, the team played as well as I’ve seen them play all season,” Conlon said. “We just need to start off hard to win the doubles point right away and continue to play tough in singles.”

The Cyclones will begin at Boulder in the hole because of a default. Freshman No. 2 player Caitlin Loprinzi will not play this weekend because of an injured foot and wrist.

The women faced a similar situation last weekend and didn’t let the setback take away their focus, recording their first win of the season against Northern Colorado in Ames.

Freshman Chrissy Derouin, who was among the singles winners against Northern Colorado, said she still has a lot to work on.

“Even though I won that match, I wasn’t mentally there,” Derouin said.

“I didn’t have energy on the court; I was completely out of my element.

“It’s frustrating when you’re in a slump like that. It makes winning not even fun.”

Derouin said this weekend provides another opportunity for her to improve her game and take home the first conference win of her collegiate career.

“I’m excited for this weekend because I like playing outside better,” Derouin said. “A win this weekend would definitely be a step in the right direction for me.”

The Cyclones play Colorado in Boulder at 11 a.m. Saturday.