Cyclones To Honor Three Seniors On Saturday

ISU-WVU SWIM 1819

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State Cyclones (6-3, 1-0 Big 12) are set to battle their second Big 12 opponent in West Virginia (3-2, 1-0 Big 12) on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. In the past four seasons, the dual meets between the conference foes have come down to the final two events. The Cyclones will look to avenge their loss in Morgantown last season and wrap up their seniors' career at Beyer Pool with a victory. The Senior Day festivities will begin at 10:45 a.m.

THE OPPONENT - West Virginia Mountaineers

Although Iowa State holds a 4-1 edge over West Virginia, three of the five meetings between the Big 12 schools have been decided in the final relay. In last year's affair, the Mountaineers had clinched the meet with a victory in the 200 IM prior, resulting in their lone victory against the Cyclones. The breaststroke squad took first and second in the 100 last year, but were powered by seniors Kasey Roberts and Danica Delaquis. The sophomore squad of Martha Haas, Lehr Thorson and Bryn Ericksen will need to battle with West Virginia's Emma Harris to clinch crucial points. The Cyclones will also look for key performances from captain Haley Ruegemer in the distance events throughout her final meet at Beyer.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR – Relays

The Cyclones have an apparent edge in the 400 freestyle relay, but have not posted a time faster than the Mountaineers' best effort in the 200 medley relay. Iowa State has only lost two relay events in dual competition, both to SMU back in November. They have leaned heavily on Elynn Tan and Emily Haan in the relays, and the freshmen will need to compete at a high level on Saturday to help keep the Cyclones' Big 12 record unblemished.

ON DECK – Kansas Jayhawks

After four meets in three weekends, the Cyclones are off next weekend as they continue to prepare for the 2018 Big 12 Championships. The final meet before Austin begins Feb. 8 in Lawrence against another Big 12 opponent, the Kansas Jayhawks. The two-day dual meet will prepare the Cyclones for the rigorous schedule of the championship meet later in February. The Big 12 meet will begin on Feb. 27 and continue through Mar. 2.

Follow the team on Twitter (@CycloneSD) or on Facebook at facebook.com/cyclonesd for in-game updates, post-meet recaps and results throughout the season.

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Players Mentioned

Danica Delaquis

Bryn Ericksen

Emily Haan

Martha Haas

Kasey Roberts

Haley Ruegemer

Elynn Tan

Lehr Thorson

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics