Most of the athletic teams at Iowa State would love the chance to battle in-state rival Iowa twice in one season. The No. 21 ISU gymnastics team gets their chance Thursday when they travel to Iowa City to face the No. 20 Hawkeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Before this season, the Cyclones had won 18 in a row against Iowa and extended the streak to 19 earlier this season when they defeated Iowa in Ames on Jan 31.

The victory was a close one, as it came down to the final event. Several Cyclones shone in their floor routines, hitting career marks and earning the Cyclones the victory, 196.425-195.275.

Both teams need a win heading into their respective conference tournaments. The Cyclones will look to move their 5-6 record to .500 with a victory. The Hawkeyes are 3-5 overall.

Both teams are also coming off wins last weekend. Iowa State avenged an early season loss to Missouri, 196.450-195.375, while Iowa defeated conference foe Illinois, 196.800-194.000.

In the victory over the Tigers, ISU freshmen Erin Dethloff and Laura-Kay Powell, along with sophomore Susan Stock, swept first place in all of the events.

With big meets coming up, head coach K.J. Kindler said the team had lighter practices this week.

“We’re gonna rest a lot so Thursday they’re rejuvenated,” Kindler said. “They’re gonna have a lot of rest because they need it. They need to make sure they have a lot of energy out there.”

With No. 19 Minnesota coming to Hilton Coliseum on Sunday and the Big 12 Championships just two weeks away, Kindler knows not to have too many tough practices.

“I don’t want to beat them into the ground right now,” she said. “We’re getting ready for postseason competition now and the upcoming meets are very important, but at the same time we have out sights set on bigger things.”

On Sunday, the Cyclones get their chance to defeat Minnesota for the second time this season. On Feb. 22, Iowa State beat the Golden Gophers 196.550-196.400 in Minneapolis.

Dethloff took first in the all-around and on the uneven bars at that event. Senior Karen Kuplicki won first on the vault. Stock and junior Chee Chee Calina tied for first on the balance beam.

Last season the teams each won on the other’s floor. The Cyclones beat the Golden Gophers in Minneapolis and Minnesota beat Iowa State in Ames.

Sunday’s meet against the Gophers will begin at 2 p.m.