The Cyclones had a very up and down weekend as they went 0-1-1, but they have now put that behind them and are focused on their next challenge. This week at practice, the Cyclones continued to work on some things they feel they need to improve on in order to win games. 

Drawing against TCU key for Big 12 tournament hopes

Last season, the Cyclones just missed out on qualifying for the Big 12 tournament, but so far this season they have made strides.

In the tough Big 12, every game matters. The Cyclones proved that against TCU and the Cyclones have now increased their chances of qualifying for the Big 12 tournament. 

While getting a draw against a high-quality team is noteworthy, the Cyclones will need to do more in order to move up in the standings in the Big 12.

“[We’ve] got to work on our defensive organization and make teams go through us,” said sophomore McKenna Schultz.

Cyclones’ offense working to create more scoring opportunities

After tying with the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs on Friday and losing to the Texas Tech Lady Raiders on Sunday, the Cyclones have some things to work on before their next game on Saturday at Kansas.

The Cyclones were shut out on Sunday against Texas Tech, the fourth time a defense has been able to keep the Cyclones out.

“It was a fun, good and hard practice,” sophomore Kassi Ginther said. “We had a lot of energy today, and if we can distribute that to the game, as well as finishing our shots, it will really benefit us.”

The Cyclones offense was in a funk against TCU and Texas Tech, as their offense was only able to get off seven shots combined.

The Iowa State offense is averaging one goal a game but will need to put more shots in the back of the net if it wants to make an impact in the Big 12. 

Iowa State prepares for interesting game on Saturday night against Kansas

After this past weekend, the Jayhawks are tied for fourth, while the Cyclones are tied for seventh.

The match-up between the Cyclones and the Jayhawks — who were ranked up until this week — should be an intriguing one, as eight of the Cyclones’ 12 games this season have been decided by one goal or in a tie. Eight of the 11 games the Jayhawks have played have also been decided by one goal or less. 

“They play a lot like Iowa with five defenders in the back, and they present challenges,” said Iowa State coach Tony Minatta. “It was good to have played Iowa to get a sense to what that’s going to be like.”

Coincidentally, the Cyclones did well against Iowa, as they came out on top 2-1 and notched their second win of the season.