ISU women’s soccer coach Stephanie Gabbert will lead her squad against her former team when the Cyclones take on the Hawkeyes today in Iowa City.

Gabbert, who is in her second year at Iowa State, earned Big Ten Coach of the Year honors in 1999 while at Iowa.

She led the Hawkeyes during their inaugural season in 1997 until deciding to take the job in Ames.

Gabbert said she enjoyed her time at Iowa, but still made the switch, because she felt she had done all she could for its program.

Also, Iowa State had some of the same goals for the soccer program that she had in mind.

Her decision may have added fuel to the fire.

“It certainly helps to heighten the rivalry between the two teams,” Gabbert said.

Gabbert said she knows the tendencies held by some of the Iowa players. That, she says, might give the edge to Iowa State.

The Cyclones hold a 3-0-1 all-time record versus Iowa and are looking forward to meeting them again.

Erin Weldon, who will be experiencing the rivalry for the first time, said the upperclassmen have been pumping her up for the big game.

“Everyone’s looking forward to it,” said the freshman midfielder.

Another reason for excitement on the soccer field is the fact that the offense awoke in Iowa State’s most recent match against Bowling Green State. The Cardinal and Gold handed the Falcons a 4-1 drubbing, after being outscored a combined 13-1 in four previous games.

It was Iowa State’s highest offensive production in nearly two years and broke a two-match losing streak. Gabbert said the key to the win was better execution.

“What we did better, which we hadn’t been doing, was just finishing our chances,” she said.

Gabbert also noted sophomore forward Nicole Wilcox is getting back on track. Wilcox scored three goals versus BGSU.

“That was important for our team – for her to get a lot of her confidence back,” said Gabbert.

Last season, the Cyclones won a 2-0 decision against the Hawkeyes in Ames.