With no mid-week game for the Cyclones (14-3, 5-1 Big 12), the team will be well-rested for its matchup Saturday with Baylor (15-6, 3-3). 

Sophomore libero Kristen Hahn has played well for the Cyclones as of late. Hahn picked up her second Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors this season after the Kansas State and Oklahoma games.

She is ranked No. 9 in the nation with 5.64 digs per set. That is also tops in the Big 12.

“Having Sunday and Monday off was big for us,” Hahn said. “Especially for some of our hitters, who were limited in practice this week. That just really gives us the advantage at the end of the week, having fresh legs.”

Coach Christy Johnson-Lynch also has utilized Hahn’s versatility by moving her around the court. With Hahn normally at the left back position, Johnson-Lynch has started to move her to the center and right back positions. Where Hahn lines up will be based on where the team feels the opposing offense is going to attack.

Iowa State is also working on finishing out close games and closing out opponents. During the Oklahoma match, Iowa State went up 2-0, but allowed Oklahoma back in the match, giving up the third set.

That is one of the main things the team has focused on throughout practice this week.

“We need to maintain a high level of play throughout the whole match and not lose focus,” said junior outside hitter Rachel Hockaday. “If we’re up two games to zero, not losing focus that third game. Baylor always plays good defense and has a good block setup.

“We’re going to have to fight through the long rallies.”

Defense is something the Bears have prided themselves on throughout the season. While Baylor is the worst blocking team in the Big 12 against conference opponents, the Bears win most of the digging battles. 

The Bears average a Big 12-leading 17.83 digs per set to the Cyclones 17.43. Baylor libero Allison King is second in the Big 12 with five digs per set.

“They have two very, very good middles,” Johnson-Lynch said. “They depend on them a lot, so we’re going to need to defend the middle well and transition out of that.”

With the team back at full strength, particularly the hitters, Johnson-Lynch is confident she will see a sharper team. She saw this week’s play a big impact on senior outside hitter Carly Jenson.

“Just watching her tells you more than anything,” Johnson-Lynch said. “I think were going to see her jump better. She’s still playing great, but I want to make sure we pace her for the rest of the season.”