There’s a certain excitement on the soccer field today as the Cyclones take on their intrastate rival, the University of Iowa. “It’s a very big game,” said Nicole Wilcox, freshman forward on the soccer team. “There’s going to be so much energy and enthusiasm in here, I’m so excited.” Last year the Cyclones came up with the victory with barely a minute left in the second overtime period when Katie Antongiovanni scored the game-winning goal. “It’s always a tough way to lose in overtime,” said ISU coach Stephanie Gabbert. Gabbert was on the other side of the field last year as the Iowa coach. This year Gabbert takes the field not in black and gold, but in cardinal and gold. “To be part of this game, there’s a certain hype from everyone and it’ll be interesting to see how our players and Iowa’s [players] respond to it. It’s very much an even game so you’ll see two great teams go up against each other. It’ll be a very physical battle and I’m really excited for it,” Gabbert said. “This year Iowa has a different coach and I’m sure that their style of playing is different from when I was coaching them.” Although she was the Hawkeye coach last season, Gabbert is looking at this as just another game. “I’m looking at this game as another team we’re going up [against] to beat and during the match we’re going to do everything to be in control and win,” Gabbert said. The Cyclones are not looking at this game just as part of their regular season play. “This game has a bigger impact then a regular season game,” Wilcox said. “At any rival game there’s more of a challenge to win against [your opponent].” “I feel confident in how we’re playing, we definitely have the potential to win. We have to make sure if something doesn’t go our way, we have to adjust to it.” Nicole Wilcox has definitely led the Cyclones so far this season. Wilcox was honored as the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week. The freshmen forward tallied seven points on three goals and an assist as the Cyclones went 2-1 last week. “It surprised me when Coach [Gabbert] told me in practice,” said Wilcox. “It’s definitely an honor. I’m just trying to play my best and I feel I’m getting really lucky right now. I have a great opportunity in the position that I’m in. I know I can step up my game and by the end of the season I’ll be a totally different player than when I came here.”