Three matches, six people and at least one point will be the recipe for success for the Cyclones this spring.

Coach Armando Espinosa has stressed doubles as a vital part of the team’s success moving forward.

“I think we are doing OK, but I would like to see more consistency,” Espinosa said. “I’ve seen them play really well and I’ve seen them play not so well.”

The Cyclones want to refine doubles as they travel to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Saturday. They will take on Augustana (7-2, 6-0 NSIC) at 1 p.m. and Sioux Falls (5-3, 3-3 NSIC) at 6 p.m. 

The Cyclones are no stranger to the Vikings. The two have faced off recently in the past few seasons with the last result coming in 2014-15, when the Cyclones were in control of the match from start to finish, winning 7-0.

“Augustana is a tricky team, they are very talented up at the top,” Espinosa said. “We are going to have to be focused, we must be ready to go and we have to make sure we finish on a strong note.”

The Vikings are led by undefeated Kornel Staniszewska, who has been on a roll this spring, sitting at 5-0 at the No. 1 spot for the Vikings. The doubles pairs have also been doing well, as the team sits at 23-4.

This meet will give the Cyclones a chance to work out any wrinkles in doubles against a team who has been efficient in doubles this season.

“We can’t take it easy,” senior Samantha Budai said. “I think its two more matches to get our games down and our confidence up and just get ready for Big 12 play.”

After a short break, Iowa State will take on Sioux Falls in the evening. The Cougars haven’t been as successful as the Vikings have, but that is no reason to take them lightly.

The Cougars are led by Kara Bunkers, who has gone 7-1 this spring in singles matches. The Cougars lack strength in doubles. They’re 13-11 and have had a tough time finding the right matchups.

“We can not overlook any team, we have to be ready to go we have to be playing at our best level,” Espinosa said. “We have to make sure we can create energy and be ready to go.”

The players are well aware of what’s ahead. They know they cannot waste any chance to get a valuable experience in.

“I think we need to take all the opportunities we have in the match,” Karen Alvarez said. “If we’re up, take that opportunity that we have and don’t give anything up.”