Throughout the entire match, it was a freshman that helped lead the Cyclones to victory against their in-state rivals.

Outside hitter Ciara Capezio had 22 kills in the No. 11 Iowa State’s 3-2 win against Northern Iowa at the McLeod Center in Cedar Falls.

Before Wednesday’s match, Capezio’s season high was 12 kills against South Dakota State on Aug. 30. Fellow outside hitter Victoria Hurtt also achieved a new season-high with 17 kills in the match.

The Cyclones (4-0) started fast with a 6-0 lead in the first set en route to winning the first set in blowout fashion 25-13. The second set was a little closer but Iowa State won the second set 25-20 to take a 2-0 lead.

The Panthers (1-3) wouldn’t go down lightly as they took the third set 25-21. The Cyclones stayed close throughout the set but never led.

The Northern Iowa duplicated its third-set success with a 25-21 win in the fourth set to send the game to a fifth and final set.

The Cyclones took the momentum back in the fifth set winning 15-9 to claim the match.

Sophomore setter Jenelle Hudson had 57 assists, her second consecutive match with more than 50 assists. Senior libero Kristen Hahn added 34 digs, a season-high.

The Cyclones will take their undefeated record to Hilton Coliseum on Friday for their first home match of the season against No. 14 San Diego. They follow that with a match against No. 18 Illinois on Sunday.