This week is in-state rivalry week all around the nation. Duke vs. North Carolina and Arizona vs. Arizona State are prime examples in basketball, but for the ISU women’s tennis team (7-1, 0-0 Big 12), it will face in-state rival Northern Iowa this weekend.

Last weekend, coming off their second away meet in which they went 3-0 for the second consecutive time, the Cyclones have improved their record to 7-1.

“Getting early wins is a big part of the game before getting into conference play,” said coach Armando Espinosa. “It’s a long season and that allows us to work on our strengths and weakness.”

After taking a 3-4 loss early in the season to UTEP, the Cyclones had a chance to bounce back in Des Moines in late January. They defeated Omaha, 4-0, North Dakota, 5-1 and Drake, 4-0. 

The Cyclones traveled to Logan, Utah, this past weekend. They yet again grabbed a perfect weekend.

“We played well and the coaches are doing a good job. My game has improved and our team is doing well,” said freshman Annabella Bonadonna.

Although they did not play like it, the Cyclone roster was badly wounded earlier that week with the loss of their No. 3 Anna Kuuttila. Kuuttila earlier last week told Coach Espinosa that she would no longer be a member of the roster because of her choice to finish her doctorate degree in chemical engineering.

Espinosa said he and the whole women’s team respect Kuuttila’s decision and wish her the best of luck.

Adjustments had to be made and preparation for the weekend had to continue. Regardless of the loss, the Cyclones managed to adjust and did what was necessary to get a win.

This Friday, Iowa State prepares for Northern Iowa, which is currently 1-4.

For their second home duel, the Cyclones will have an opportunity to add another win and increase experience for the younger players before going into conference play.

“I’m really excited about this match against UNI because we lost to them last year,” senior Alejandra Galvis said. “The way we have been playing, I feel confident that we can beat them this year.” 

Galvis has taken a leadership role on the team during her senior year. She has been helping the younger players on and off the courts, assisting them in adjusting to this level of competition.

Being a leader, Galvis has also been helping the other ladies emotionally to maintain their composure during tough matches and losses.

The Cyclones face the Panthers 3 p.m. Friday afternoon at the Ames Rec and Fitness Center.