PRIMER: Iowa State vs Illinois

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State Cyclones (0-1, 0-0 Big 12) are again in motion this weekend as they host the Illinois Fighting Illini (0-0, 0-0 Big Ten) in a two-day twin meet at Beyer Hall on Friday and Saturday for his or her second meet of the common season.

THE OPPONENT – Illinois

The Fighting Illini open their season in Ames after ending thirteenth on the 2025 Big 10 Women’s Swim and Dive Championships final 12 months. The group is highlighted by a number of returning upperclassmen alongside some new expertise becoming a member of the roster.

When these two applications final met in 2017, Illinois got here away with the win in Champaign by a rating of 186-114. This weekend, the Cyclones will look to earn the win by taking down the Illini at dwelling.

PINK MEET SATURDAY

Both Iowa State and Illinois will probably be sporting pink gear on Saturday to take part in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Fans are inspired to hitch and put on pink to Pink Out Beyer Hall throughout Saturday’s portion of the twin.

LAST TIME OUT – Nebraska

Iowa State had a powerful displaying in its season opener towards Nebraska, with a number of standout performances throughout each swimming and diving.

Grace Swoboda and Matilde Geromin swam nicely for the Cyclones, sweeping the breaststroke occasions. Swoboda earned Iowa State’s first win of the day within the 100 breast (1:04.01), whereas Geromin received the 200 breast in a personal-best time of two:20.77. Sophomore Anja Peck impressed as nicely, ending runner-up within the 200 breast swimming a 2:20.98.

Distance swimmer Carlotta Gazzola earned runner-up finishes in each the 1000 free (10:25.12) and 500 free. The Cyclones additionally delivered within the backstroke, as Emma Kuhn, Lili Neisser, and Piper Hagen mixed to complete 2-4 within the 100 again, choosing up key factors for ISU.

On the boards, Kate Mitchell led Iowa State with a fourth-place end within the 3-meter occasion (290.35), whereas freshman Maggie Bendell positioned fourth on 1-meter (268.00), each contributing to the robust begin of the season.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR – Breaststroke and Backstroke

The Cyclones have proven spectacular power in breaststroke occasions, sweeping each the 100 and 200 distances towards Nebraska. ISU additionally discovered themselves incomes three of the highest 5 spots within the 100 again, proving nice power within the occasion.

ON DECK – South Dakota State, South Dakota

For their third matchup of the season, Iowa State will journey to Brookings, South Dakota to compete towards the Jackrabbits on October twenty fourth at 5 p.m. To comply with, the Cyclones will then head to Vermillion, South Dakota to face off towards the Coyotes on October twenty fifth at 3 p.m.