Confidence can be a make-or-break factor for some players. For junior Kelsey Petersen, confidence returned Wednesday night in Iowa State’s 3-0 sweep of Texas Tech (25-16, 25-16, 25-18).

The right side hitter has had an inconsistent five matches since the Cyclones played Nebraska on Sept. 15. She was pulled from that home-match with a hitting percentage of -0.222.

Since that match, her percentage has bounced around from .062 to .304, with confidence and technical issues as contributing factors.

In order to improve, she has been working in practice on hitting high because the coaching staff has been asking her for more offense. When she hits the tape, she has had to do sit-ups.

Her hard work paid off Wednesday night, and her hitting percentage was .417 against the Red Raiders.

“It felt good,” Petersen said. “It did a lot for my confidence, and also to have my team have confidence in me to know I can come out and know I can play consistently.”

Petersen has also been working in practice with setter Alison Landwehr in order to get the right set for kills. Coach Christy Johnson-Lynch said getting the right set has also been a contributing factor to Petersen’s inconsistency.

“With [Petersen] and me, it’s finding that rhythm and finding that connection,” Landwehr said. “When our passing is on, it’s easier for us to do that. I think our passing and our defense was really on tonight.”

Petersen was on a roll with good sets from Landwehr at the match against Texas Tech, and with the assists from the setter, she notched six kills for the match. Her confidence showed in her efficient hitting.

Middle blocker Jamie Straube said Petersen finding confidence again played a significant role in both her and Petersen’s performance.

“Kelsey, she’s such a confident player,” Straube said. “When she gets going she can just roll with it. She’s so athletic, and for the other side of the net to have to worry about her, that opens up the net for me.”

The key for Petersen will be to prove she can continue to play well now that she has regained confidence.

“For her the challenge is going to be being consistent,” Johnson-Lynch said. “So we’ll look to her to have another great match this weekend and then the week after, and get three, four or five great matches in a row.”

Petersen will have to continue to work hard in practices in order to maintain confidence and consistency, something her team will need as the Cyclones continue their Big 12 lineup.

“That’s going to be the question,” Johnson-Lynch said. “She’s definitely capable of it. She’s had good stretches. We just want longer stretches of great play from her, and she’s getting there.”

Petersen said she thinks she can continue to be confident and consistent as long as she keeps her head up.

Her next challenge will be when the Cyclones head to Lawrence, Kan., to take on Kansas on Saturday.