The ISU volleyball team (7-4, 0-1 Big 12) has had three chances to prove itself against the nation’s top competition. Three times, it has failed.

In those three losses, the Cyclones have only been able to muster up a victory in one set, trailing by a total set tally of 9-1 against the likes of No. 1 Stanford, No. 5 Florida State and No. 18 Minnesota.

Following a disheartening loss on the road at Texas Christian in the Big 12 opener, Iowa State gets its fourth opportunity in 12 matches to conquer one of the country’s best. The opponent this time is the No. 2 Texas Longhorns.

Iowa State hits the road for the sixth time in its last seven matches as it heads toward Austin, Texas, which might complicate ISU’s task.

Senior Taylor Goetz said that whatever mental fatigue exists will not keep the Cyclones down, as they are in a mindset that they can beat anyone with enough effort.

ISU volleyball head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch said that aggression in defending and returning against the vaunted 6-2 offense played by Texas is the key to victory.