PRIMER: Iowa State vs Illinois

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State Cyclones (0-1, 0-0 Big 12) are back in action this weekend as they host the Illinois Fighting Illini (0-0, 0-0 Big Ten) in a two-day dual meet at Beyer Hall on Friday and Saturday for their second meet of the regular season.

THE OPPONENT - Illinois

The Fighting Illini open their season in Ames after finishing 13th at the 2025 Big 10 Women's Swim and Dive Championships last year. The team is highlighted by several returning upperclassmen alongside some new talent joining the roster.

When these two programs last met in 2017, Illinois came away with the win in Champaign by a score of 186-114. This weekend, the Cyclones will look to earn the win by taking down the Illini at home.

PINK MEET SATURDAY

Both Iowa State and Illinois will be sporting pink gear on Saturday to participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Fans are encouraged to join and wear pink to Pink Out Beyer Hall during Saturday's portion of the dual.

LAST TIME OUT - Nebraska

Iowa State had a strong showing in its season opener against Nebraska, with several standout performances across both swimming and diving.

Grace Swoboda and Matilde Geromin swam well for the Cyclones, sweeping the breaststroke events. Swoboda earned Iowa State's first win of the day in the 100 breast (1:04.01), while Geromin won the 200 breast in a personal-best time of 2:20.77. Sophomore Anja Peck impressed as well, finishing runner-up in the 200 breast swimming a 2:20.98.

Distance swimmer Carlotta Gazzola earned runner-up finishes in both the 1000 free (10:25.12) and 500 free. The Cyclones also delivered in the backstroke, as Emma Kuhn, Lili Neisser, and Piper Hagen combined to finish 2-4 in the 100 back, picking up key points for ISU.

On the boards, Kate Mitchell led Iowa State with a fourth-place finish in the 3-meter event (290.35), while freshman Maggie Bendell placed fourth on 1-meter (268.00), both contributing to the strong start of the season.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR – Breaststroke and Backstroke

The Cyclones have shown impressive strength in breaststroke events, sweeping both the 100 and 200 distances against Nebraska. ISU also found themselves earning three of the top five spots in the 100 back, proving great strength in the event.

ON DECK – South Dakota State, South Dakota

For their third matchup of the season, Iowa State will travel to Brookings, South Dakota to compete against the Jackrabbits on October 24th at 5 p.m. To follow, the Cyclones will then head to Vermillion, South Dakota to face off against the Coyotes on October 25th at 3 p.m.

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Maggie Bendell

Carlotta Gazzola

Matilde Geromin

Piper Hagen

Emma Kuhn

Kate Mitchell

Lili Neisser

Anja Peck

Grace Swoboda

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics