The following is a press release courtesy of Iowa State athletics communications.
FORT WORTH, Texas – The Iowa State volleyball team’s Big 12 campaign got off to a rough start as the Cyclones fell to TCU 3-1 (25-15, 18-25, 30-28, 25-16) Saturday at the University Recreation Center. The loss drops ISU to 7-4 overall, 0-1 in the Big 12. TCU improves to 11-5 overall, 1-1 in Big 12 play.
Turning Point of the Match
TCU took the first set 25-15, but Iowa State did well to respond and take the second at 25-18 to have the match at 1-1 into the break.
The third set saw both teams gain small leads before a back-and-fourth battle ensued from 16-16 on through the rest of the set. Iowa State got the first set point at 24-23 on a Ciara Capezio kill. After TCU tied it up, Alexis Conaway and Victoria Hurtt combined for a block to give ISU a second set point. However, TCU fought it off and got to set point. ISU battled off three set points, but eventually TCU broke through with back-to-back kills to take the third set 30-28.
The fourth set belonged to TCU as the Frogs took the first five points to build a 9-1 lead. After a small ISU fight-back, TCU broke it open on the back of three-straight aces by Trisha Langley to take an 18-7 lead and eventually take the set, 25-16.
Cyclone Notes
*Mackenzie Bigbee finished with 10 kills, her 38th career match with at least 10 kills.
*Alexis Conaway recorded a career-high four service aces.
*Victoria Hurtt posted 11 kills, her sixth match this season and 43rd of her career with at least 10 kills.
*Branen Berta posted a career-high 11 digs, her first career double-figures match.
On Deck
Iowa State continues its road-swing with a trip to No. 2 Texas on Wednesday. First serve at Gregory Gymnasium is Wednesday at 7 p.m. and the match will be televised on Longhorn Network.
