Iowa State pushed its record to 5-0 with victories over Southern Mississippi in three sets (25-16, 26-24, 25-12) and Arizona State in four sets (25-16, 25-18, 19-25, 25-17).

Senior outside hitter Carly Jenson picked up the slack for the Cyclones early on. She recorded 15 kills on 39 attempts while committing only two errors in the contest.

“She’s a very experienced player,” said coach Christy Johnson-Lynch. “She really understands her position and she shows great leadership. We’ve asked a lot of her to pass all six rotations. She’s handled it rally well and she’s a great player.”

Freshman outside hitter Victoria Hurtt battled through a tough strech during the match as well. She also finished with 15 blocks and found the holes in the defense as the sets progressed.

“She’s so competitive,” Johson-Lynch said. “She’ll find a way to get kills, she finds a way to block the ball. She brings that competitive fire even though she’s just a freshman. I think that’s so important for our team chemistry.”

Junior outside hitter Rachel Hockaday was forced to watch from the sidelines.

The injury is nothing serious, however. Hockaday is returning this season after tearing her ACL at the start of last season. After the Cyclone’s first three games, her knee became sore and the team has decided to rest her for a week.

Iowa State will take on Iowa in the final game of the Iowa State challenge Saturday at 2 p.m.

The Cyclones have owned the series in recent years, but that doesn’t mean they are taking the Hawkeyes lightly.

“We’re feeling good, but we’re definitely not looking past them,” Jenson said. “They’re going to be a great team and I’m excited to play them.”