Who: Iowa State vs. Northern Illinois
Where: Iowa Events Center – Hy-Vee Hall, Des Moines, Iowa
When: Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023 – 6:30 p.m.
The Lead: The Cyclones open their season by taking on the Northern Illinois Huskies in the Chow's Winter Classic Saturday evening in Des Moines at 6:30 p.m.
Storylines:
- This is the 24th meeting between the Cyclones and the Huskies. Iowa State leads the series 14-9.
- Jay Ronayne's teams are 7-1 against Northern Illinois, winning the last five contests.
- The Cyclones are returning to the Chow's Winter Classic for the second time. In 2022, the Cyclones fell to Temple 194.075-194.525.
- Six newcomers have joined the Cyclones this season, freshmen Morgan Engels, Reagan Loftis, Madelyn Manternach, Madison Matassa and Samantha Rose, as well as Washington transfer Lauren Thomas.
- Jay Ronayne is coaching in his 17th season at Iowa State. Coach Ronayne's teams have finished within the Top 25 in the final rankings the last five seasons.
From the Notes:
- Iowa State saw two perfect scores last season from Maddie Diab and Makayla Maxwell, the only time in school history that a perfect score has been earned twice in one season.
- The Cyclones recorded 31 scores of 9.900 or higher in 2022, ninth most in a season in program history. Maddie Diab led the way with nine such scores while 10 different Cyclones had at least one, tied for second-most in school history.
Switching Sides:
- Northern Illinois opened its 2023 season with a 194.725-192.675 win over Bowling Green on Sunday, Jan. 8. NIU's 194.725 score is its best in a season opener in six years.
- Coach Sam Morreale is in his 12th season as coach of the Huskies, entering the season with a 120-117-2 record.