No. 13 Iowa State (21-4, 12-2 Big 12) swept Kansas State for the second time this season. The Cyclones took all three sets 25-23, 25-21 and 25-14.

The Lowdown

Senior outside hitter Carly Jenson lead the way with 16 kills. She had help from freshman outside hitter Victoria Hurtt, who recorded eight kills. Senior right side Kelsey Petersen also finished with eight kills.

The first two sets being close were a result of the Cyclones getting sluggish at times throughout the match.

“I thought it was a little sluggish at times and not very sharp at times,” coach Christy Johnson-Lynch said. “There were times where we didn’t execute the things that we talked about and weren’t converting on points we normally would be. I thought we could have been a lot better.”

Johnson-Lynch also talked about total team performance. In the victory over the Wildcats, Jenson, Hurtt and Petersen made up 72 percent of the team’s points. The Cyclones outhit Kansas State .282-.104 with those three.

While Johnson-Lynch is looking for more players to step up, she has been really pleased with the performance of Hurtt over the past few weeks.

“I think she is just playing really well,” Johnson-Lynch said. “She’s making good attack decisions and hitting some different shots than we’re asking her to hit. She’s also a great blocking presence.”

Turning point

Freshman outside hitter Victoria Hurtt recorded five kills in the second set after just two in the first set. Hurtt finished the match with a .333 hitting percentage and has put herself in the driver’s seat for the other outside hitter position.

“I just try and work hard every single play,” Hurtt said. “I don’t really worry about positions or any of that stuff. I just want to come into every single practice and work hard and make sure I’m getting better every day.”

Those five kills came in key moments that stopped Kansas State runs and gave momentum back to the Cyclones. Hurtt also had the kills to end the first and third sets.

Hurtt has traded places with fellow outside hitter Hannah Willms throughout the season. Johnson-Lynch makes the decision on the other outside hitter spot based on momentum and recent performance.

With Hurtt’s recent impressive performances, she has felt herself grow as a player.

“I feel like I’ve grown and am maturing as a player,” Hurtt said. “The team has my back every time.”

X Factor- Carly Jenson- Iowa State outside hitter

Jenson finished with 16 kills and posted a career-high .519 hitting percentage. The .519 hitting percentage tops her season high of .426 at North Dakota State. Jenson is averaging 4.11 kills per set this season.

She was quick to give credit to her setter for her success.

“I thought Alison (Landwehr) located her sets really well and it made it easy for me to get it over the block,” Jenson said.

Post Game Chatter

“I like to always be consistent and I want to be that player. At times I can be.” Jenson on being the go-to player.

“She doesn’t get rattled very easily and I think that’s huge for a freshman. Sometimes people go in there and don’t want to make mistakes. She just goes in there to win and does a great job.”- Jenson on Victoria Hurtt.

“I think we just need some leadership at this point of the season. We need to keep getting better and be sharp.” Johnson-Lynch on improvements going forward.

Up Next for Iowa State

Iowa State will play their final road game of the season against Baylor on Saturday. Baylor is 18-11 overall and 5-8 in the Big 12.