The Kansas Jayhawks are set to play host to the Cyclones in Iowa State’s regular-season finale this Friday in Lawrence, Kansas.
The Cyclones will race to finish with a .500 record in duels this season following a pair of tough losses to TCU and North Texas in the Lone Star State in their last outings. Kansas, meanwhile, is on a two-duel skid of its own following losses to Houston (215.5-84.5) and Arkansas (171-128). The Cyclones are 3-4 overall in duels this season, while the Jayhawks are 2-4.
Iowa State has historically had an extremely tough go of it against Kansas, with a record of 4-30 in the all-time series. Last season, the Jayhawks took home a 186.5-126.5 win in the duel.
However, there is reason for Cyclone fans to be optimistic headed into this meet. Although it is their first matchup of the season, the Cyclones and the Jayhawks met in November at the Hawkeye Invitational. Kansas placed sixth in that meet, compared to Iowa State’s eighth, but the Cyclones were not without bright spots.
Graduate student Winter Craig placed third in the 200 fly, while sophomore Abbi Crum and freshman Anja Peck also had strong performances, making the finals in the 200 breaststroke. The Cyclones beat Kansas in both of those events, creating a great opportunity for Iowa State on Friday.
Sophomore Shiyun Lai has been a huge standout for the Jayhawks this season. Lai began diving as a child in China and found massive success early in her collegiate career.
As a freshman, she finished 14th in both the 1 and 3-meter dive at the NCAA Championships and was an All-Big 12 First Team selection. She has been named Big 12 Diver of the Week four times this year, and will likely put on a show in Lawrence before heading into the postseason.
The matchup is set to be a close battle between Big 12 rivals looking to set the tone for the postseason and is a chance for Iowa State head coach Matt Leach to end his first year with the team with a solid 4-4 record.
The duel will take place at 3 p.m. Friday from Robinson Natatorium and will be streamed on the Kansas Swimming and Diving Facebook page.
