For the second consecutive match, ISU freshman Andie Malloy notched nine kills for the Cyclones.

The setter and outside hitter has slowly been seeing more playing time and making the most of her time on the court when senior Rachel Hockaday has needed a break.

As Iowa State (15-7, 8-3 Big 12) completed a sweep of Texas Tech (13-4, 2-9) on Saturday, coach Christy Johnson-Lynch wanted to give Hockaday a rest, so Malloy saw substantial court time in the victory.

The native from Allen, Texas, has embraced her role as one of the first off the bench and Johnson-Lynch said her hard work has started to pay off.

“She’s been really good in practice,” Johnson-Lynch said. “I always tell our players you don’t earn a spot over one or two days, you earn it over time. She’s been showing over time that she’s ready to contribute.”

Playing behind Hockaday, Malloy knew coming in she would have to really work to receive any playing time her freshman year. Because of the progress she’s shown the coaching staff in practice, the doors have opened a little more for the 2011 ESPNHS All-American.

Malloy has only started four matches but has played in 17 this season. With Hockaday playing her first fully healthy season since her knee injury two years ago and being undersized for her position, Johnson-Lynch has tried to rest her more often.

Malloy said the increased playing time has helped her become more comfortable.

“It’s definitely started to click a little bit, and I’m just happy to go in whenever I get the opportunity,” Malloy said.

During the past three matches, Malloy has averaged more than 2.6 kills per set. Malloy said her hitting has been one area she’s seen significant improvement in since the season started.

“I’ve definitely worked a lot on that and just still working on waiting on my approach,” Malloy said.

And Malloy isn’t the only hitter Iowa State can bring off the bench to make an impact.

Redshirt freshman Tory Knuth has also seen increased playing time coming off the bench, giving the Cyclones some added depth.

Knuth contributed four kills against South Dakota State and six against Texas Christian recently, and setter Alison Landwehr said it allows the team to throw some curveballs at their opponents.

“Not even just new hitters coming in but we’re able to run a little more complicated offense, getting some combos, to kind of mess with the other team a little bit too,” Landwehr said. “It’s nice to have that confidence with more players than just a few.”

Landwehr also said one area she’s seen Malloy make strides in is hitting higher and creating higher kill numbers because her hits are not getting blocked as often.

Now Johnson-Lynch is faced with an interesting task. No coach ever wants to sit a player that has been playing well, but she also has Hockaday who brings her strengths to the team as well.

Johnson-Lynch still has the month of November before the NCAA tournament begins but said one thing she knows for certain is Hockaday will be included.

“I know we need Rachel’s passing and ball handling, I know that for sure, so she will need to contribute some way in that role,” Johnson-Lynch said.

The Cyclones do not play again until Saturday against Oklahoma on the road, which will give Johnson-Lynch some added time to decide on her game plan.