No. 52 Iowa State is heading south for a two-game road trip. The Cyclones will start with No. 17 UCF on Friday, then finish with Houston on Sunday.

UCF preview

Iowa State and UCF have played each other four times in the past. The series is split 2-2 all-time, with the Knights collecting the most recent win last year.

In Iowa State’s most recent match, the loss against the Sun Devils, several Cyclones held their own. Freshman Cristina Ramos Sierra and senior Anna Supapitch Kuearum were up 5-4 in their doubles match.

Ramos Sierra was also up 7-5, 5-2 in her singles match before it was unfinished. Cyclone freshman Julia Camblor kept it competitive with No. 45-ranked Sara Svetac before that match was unfinished too.

UCF is on a five-game win streak. Its most recent match was a 4-1 victory over No. 40 TCU. 

Iowa State will need everyone playing at its best. This matchup is similar to playing Texas Tech, a talented, highly ranked team on the road.

In that match, the Cyclones lost by two but kept it close throughout.

Houston preview

After “Space U,” it’s off to Space City for the Cyclones.

Iowa State is 1-1 all-time versus Houston. Last year was the first match in 12 years, and the Cyclones won 5-2.

Kuearum will be one to watch in this match. Kuearum is 8-2 in singles matches this season. 

Houston is 3-7 this season, and its most recent match was a 4-0 loss to No. 15 Baylor. The Cougars will also play No. 40 Kansas before playing Iowa State. 

Iowa State can’t get lazy in its match with Houston. Despite the Cougars’ 3-7 record, they are a tough team that’s not afraid of a ranked opponent.

Iowa State kicks off its road trip versus No. 17 UCF at 5 p.m. Friday in Orlando. The match against Houston starts at noon Sunday.