WACO, Texas – The Iowa State volleyball team took the first two sets off Baylor Saturday night at the Ferrell Center, but could not find that last needed set as the Cyclones fell to the Bears 3-2 (25-20, 25-19, 16-25, 21-25, 10-15). The loss dropped ISU to 11-8 overall, 3-5 in the Big 12, while BU improved to 12-11 overall, 2-6 in the Big 12.
Caitlin Nolan finished with 35 digs to lead the ISU defense. Ciara Capezio led the Iowa State attack with 16 kills, while Mackenzie Bigbee and Victoria Hurtt each finished with 13 kills.
Story of the Match
After a competitive first few points, Iowa State got some separation, going on a 5-0 run to get ahead 12-5. Iowa State managed their lead the rest of the way, using some timely blocking to stay ahead. ISU finished the set off with a kill from Samara West to take the first 25-20.
The second set was all about playing steady as Iowa State never ran more than three consecutive points, but the Cyclones got a crucial 3-0 run late on to put the 17-13, giving ISU a lead that never got below three points the rest of the way. This time it was Mackenzie Bigbee who closed out the set with a kill to make it 25-19 Cyclones.
The third set totally belonged to Baylor, as the Bears stormed out to a 16-5 lead in the set, with three straight 3-0 scoring runs after ISU points and then a 4-0 run to get to their 16-5 lead. ISU was able to cut into the lead a little, but the set result was never in doubt as Adrien Richbug got a kill to close the set at 25-16.
The fourth set brought the most competitive frame of the match. ISU got its biggest lead of the set at 12-8, but Baylor fought back into the match and was able to tie it 13-13. Iowa State never saw the lead again in the fourth as the Bears got a small lead and was able to maintain it through the end. A Capezio attack error gave Baylor the fourth 25-21.
Iowa State scored the first point of the fifth set, but that was the only time ISU would have the lead in the fifth frame, as the Bears were able to build up multiple three-point leads and keep ISU at bay. The Cyclones looked to have a chance to get back into it at 12-10 BU, but the Bears would close out with the final three points. Suzanne Horner went for a setter dump on match point, but Thea Munch-Soegaard denied her to give the match to Baylor.
Cyclone Notes
*Mackenzie Bigbee’s 13 kills marked the fifth consecutive match she has recorded at least 10 kills.
*Alexis Conaway finished with at least five blocks (one solo, five assists) for the ninth time in ISU’s last 16 matches.
*Caitlin Nolan finished with at least 20 digs for the seventh consecutive match.
*Ciara Capezio finished with 16 kills, her third straight match with at least 10 kills.
On Deck
Iowa State will not have a mid-week match due to a Big 12 bye. The Cyclones return to action next Sunday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m. when Iowa State hosts No. 2 Texas. The match will be televised on ESPNU.
