Cyclones begin challenge with sweep of Eagles

Cory Weaver

In what could end up being one of the team’s most lopsided victory of the season, No. 18 Iowa State beat Eastern Washington in straight sets (25-10, 25-15, 25-15) Friday afternoon at Hilton Coliseum.

Three of the Cyclones’ top four hitters got the rest against the Eagles, with Rachel Hockaday playing just about the entire time in the win.

Hockaday led Iowa State’s attack with nine kills and Tory Knuth added seven as well.

It is the sixth time the Eagles have been swept this season, dropping their record to 0-9 overall. The sweep is Iowa State’s second of the year as well (Aug. 24 against Cincinnati).

Through seven matches this season, all but two freshmen have seen playing time. Setter Jenelle Hudson and libero Bria Rasmussen got in on their first collegiate action against the Eagles with Hudson playing the most of the two. Middle blocker Natalie Vondrak is the only player from her freshman class to have not played yet this season.

Iowa State jumps to 4-3 and will attempt to continue its three-match win streak into Friday night against Iowa at 6:30 p.m. The 2012 Iowa State Challenge wraps up Saturday with the Cyclones going up against Syracuse at 6:30 p.m.