The ISU volleyball team (3-2, 0-0 Big 12) swept its third foe in as many days Sept. 6 at Hilton Coliseum. With the win, the Cyclones sealed a first-place finish in the Iowa State Challenge.

After cruising through the first two matches of the weekend, Iowa State’s resolve was tested by a young Northern Illinois University squad.

The Cyclones jumped out to a 21-11 lead in the first set, looking to put the first frame away with ease. However, the Huskies, whose roster is made up of just three juniors and seniors, would not go down quietly.

Northern Illinois ripped off a 9-2 run to pull within three points, but the Cyclones prevailed on the strength of nine combined kills from outside hitter Ciara Capezio and middle blocker Alexis Conaway.

The second frame was competitive throughout with neither team being able to pull away by more than three, leading to a 19-all tie. Again, Iowa State would prevail with a potent offensive attack.

It was smooth sailing from then on, as Iowa State went on a 15-6 run to seal the sweep, 25-20, 25-23 and 25-15.

Capezio led the Cyclone attack with 17 of the team’s 49 kills in the match, while Conaway’s effort on the defensive side resulted in two solo blocks and three block assists.

Iowa State has nearly a week off before returning to competition against Milwaukee on Sept. 12 in Minneapolis for the Diet Coke Classic.