With a rematch against Texas on the horizon, coach Christy Johnson-Lynch knows her ISU volleyball squad can’t overlook Kansas.

The Jayhawks visit Hilton Coliseum on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Big 12-leader Iowa State (16-3,7-1 Big 12) comes into the match riding a four-game win streak.

“They’re scary,” Johnson-Lynch said. “They’re pretty athletic. They’re just young at some positions. They are very athletic and can get going. We were very fortunate to win down there.”

The Jayhawks (13-8, 1-7) have struggled in the conference, but have still managed to put up solid numbers in a few areas. Kansas is fourth in the Big 12 in opponent hitting percentage at .203 while averaging a 2.53 block per set average.

The Cyclones won the first matchup of the season between these two teams in a 3-0 sweep. Senior outside hitter Carly Jenson lead all scorers with 15 kills in the previous matchup, hitting .303. Freshman outside hitters Hannah Willms and Victoria Hurtt contributed nine and eight kills respectively.

Hurtt, after seeing a lack of playing time, came off the bench against Texas A&M and recorded a career-high four block assists.

Outside hitter Allison Mayfield is the offensive leader for Kansas. She is averaging 4.12 kills per set. That’s fourth in the Big 12.

Mayfield recorded seven kills in the previous game against the Cyclones. She was aided by Caroline Jarmoc and Taylor Tolefree who added nine and seven kills respectively.

“Allison Mayfield is very important for them,” Johnson-Lynch said. “Their middles are very good and it’s hard to defend them. They have a big right side block. We played very well down there and are going to have to do the same things again—pass really well and try to slow down Mayfield as best we can.”

With Nebraska no longer in the Big 12, Iowa State is still getting used to consistently being at the top of the conference. The Cyclones have played the underdog role in the past, so having to maintain consistency at the top of the conference is a new feeling.

That new role brings new pressures for the team.

“When we were underdogs, people didn’t take us seriously and that’s when we won,” said senior right side Kelsey Petersen. “Now that we’re the team to beat, we get every team’s best shot.”