The ISU volleyball team (5-3, 0-0 Big 12) entered uncharted territory against Tulsa and Minnesota on Sept. 13, playing its first four-set matches of the year to very different results.

Iowa State took down Tulsa 3-1 in its first match of the day, continuing its trend of beating opponents with the block.

The Cyclones tallied 15 total blocks against Tulsa in a match that was hotly contested through the first two sets.

Iowa State took the first stanza by a score of 25-19 and fell in an extended second set 31-29. 

The ISU attack was led by freshman middle blocker Alexis Conaway, who tallied 11 block assists to lead the way as the Cyclones pulled away in sets three and four, winning both 25-12.

The Cyclones moved on to take on the host team, No. 19 Minnesota, in the third and final match of the weekend.

The Golden Gophers jumped on the Cyclones early, taking them to task in the first set 25-16.

The second set did not treat Iowa State much better as it fell 25-20.

The Cyclones rallied to claim set number three 25-20 but ultimately lost by a score of 3-1 after dropping the deciding fourth set 25-23.

Senior Victoria Hurtt and junior Mackenzie Bigbee led the way for the Cyclones with 13 kills apiece, but it was not enough to overcome the Minnesota attack.

The Cyclones finished the weekend 2-1 and have now lost all three matches they have played against ranked opponents in 2014.