The Cyclone women’s soccer team will be looking in the mirror when they face Kansas today.

ISU head coach Stephanie Gabbert said Kansas is a younger, still developing team, just like the Cyclones.

“They’re a program a lot like ours,” she said. “They’re going to be a strong, solid team.”

Iowa State is coming off its first-ever win versus Baylor in a match that was won on an overtime goal by Nikki Gamble.

It’s still early in the season, but the Cyclones (3-4, 1-0 in the Big 12) have their eyes set on a Big 12 tournament berth.

In order to achieve that goal, Iowa State must place eighth or better in the Big 12.

Cyclone defender Lauren Sims said the Baylor win was very important in that respect.

“We took a big step in the Baylor game,” she said. “Every game is going to be a big game from here on out.”

Sims is part of an ISU defense that seems to be back on track. In the first four matches, Iowa State gave up 13 goals, but in the last three contests the Cyclones have limited their opponents to one goal per match.

That defense will get a major test today.

The Jayhawks feature a high-powered offense led by forward Hilla Rantala.

The senior ranks 10th nationally in points per-game, averaging 2.5 per match. Kansas is tied for first in the Big 12 in goals scored and assists per game.

The Jayhawks (6-2, 2-0) are ranked eighth in the most current National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s Central Region Poll.

They also boast a three-match winning streak, with conference wins over Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

Gabbert said Iowa State is ready for a battle, and the rivalry between the two teams should add one more element.

The all-time series between the Cyclones and Jayhawks is knotted at 3-3.

“It’s definitely a good competitive rivalry with us and Kansas,” Gabbert said.

The game is slated for 4 p.m. at the ISU soccer complex.