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Hawkeyes Strive for NCAAs in 2013 T By James Allan wenty-five wins in a two-year stretch has put the University of Iowa women's soccer team in the NCAA discussion. Next up is achieving the goal. "The reality is the NCAAs are something we should think about and talk about more than we did when I got here seven years ago," said UI head coach Ron Rainey. "That is a tribute to how hard this group has worked and how hard the group worked before them. "It has kind of built on each other and we should take and use that. If it makes (the players) anxious, let it be a good anxious, and have some fun as we try to get better and strive toward that goal every single day." The Hawkeyes have gained respect both regionally and on a broader scope the past two seasons. For the team to continue on the upswing, Iowa needs its nonconference success of 16 straight non-league wins dating back to the 2011 season to carry over into Big Ten Conference play. "We need to be dominant in our nonconference schedule and then continue on once Big Ten play begins," said Rainey. "We have to approach the Big Ten season with an enthusiasm to step on the field and say we have to win the one-goal games. "If we do that 70-75 percent of the time, we would be able to take another leap following these really good years." It won't be easy. Rainey calls the Big Ten Conference one of the most competitive leagues in the country, making the challenge that much greater. "From top to bottom, our conference is good," he said. "The team that finishes 12th can beat the team that finishes first on any given day. "We have to make sure our training is good, we stay injury-free and are ready to play mentally every game. The way you do that in the Big Ten is by approaching it professionally during the nonconference portion of the season." The injury bug can often define a season, but Rainey says the team has to overcome any obstacles. "You have to be ready for anything that a season gives you," he said. "You have to be ready to win those close games because those decide who is an NCAA Tournament team, a Big Ten qualifier and a Big Ten nonqualifier. "I think our team has the characteristics of an NCAA Tournament team." The Hawkeyes open the season with three of their first four games away from the Iowa Soccer Complex. Following a home exhibition against Milwaukee on Aug. 17, Iowa plays at Drake (Aug. 23) and hosts Western Michigan (Aug. 25) before playing games against UC Davis (Aug. 30) and Pacific (Sept. 1) in Stockton, Calif. The Hawkeyes then square off against Iowa State in an Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series matchup on Sept. 6 before hosting Wright State (Sept. 8), Saint Louis (Sept. 13) and Northern Iowa (Sept. 17). Big Ten play begins Sept. 22 against Michigan. "We don't want to look ahead or behind, but I think this can be a special year in 2013," said Rainey. A special year would send the Hawkeyes to their firstever NCAA tournament berth. 55