Returning conference champion Nebraska and Big 12 opponent Colorado will provide this weekend’s first conference games for the ISU women’s soccer team.

The Cyclones travel to Lincoln, Neb., Friday to face the Huskers.

ISU head coach Rebecca Hornbacher said the Cyclones (3-2-2) are excited to enter conference action, after a shutout against Mississippi State on Sunday that gave the team a winning record.

“Mississippi State was a great win, and we want to build upon that,” Hornbacher said. “We’ve been talking about raising the standards each practice.”

Hornbacher, who was named an All-American while playing for Nebraska, said she is looking forward to the match as well.

“It’s exciting to go back to a place where I found some fantastic opportunities. It’s an awesome feeling and it brings back so many great memories,” she said.

Junior defender Erin Weldon said the team is confident and prepared to keep a winning record.

“We are starting to have the confidence we need in order to compete with the big teams,” Weldon said.

The Huskers (5-2-1) have three newcomers that are contributing to their offense. Freshman midfielder Jessie Bruch leads the team with six points from three goals. Freshman forward Ashley Carter has posted five points, all on assists, for the Huskers. Nebraska has also seen two goals from freshman midfielder Ashley Tenn.

Nebraska, who is coming off a four-game winning streak, shut out Murray State last weekend 2-0.

“It was a good performance, but when you take 34 shots, you want more goals,” said Nebraska head coach John Walker. “We had good efficiency and good organization but we want to put more chances away.”

Cyclone midfielder Kate Kirwan was named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week Tuesday after scoring two goals last weekend. Kirwan and sophomore forward Kristina Baumann lead the Cyclone offense with two goals and two assists each.

On Sunday, the Cyclones go head-to-head with No. 16 Colorado in Boulder, Colo.

The Buffaloes (6-1) have had the best start to a season in program history and have outscored opponents 13-3 this season.

“The last two years we were learning to win,” said Colorado head coach Bill Hempen said. “Now we think we’re going to win every game, and that is a good mentality to have.”

Sophomore midfielder Fran Munnelly was recently named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week. Munnelly has raked in eight points this season on three goals and two assists.

Hornbacher said the Big 12 has many tough competitors and intense rivalries, but the Cyclones are going to take the field and play their game style.

“Our conference is very competitive, and each game will be a difficult game,” Hornbacher said. “We have a lot of respect for our opponents.”