ISU volleyball coach Christy Johnson-Lynch is preparing to keep the ball rolling on the season this Wednesday against in-state rival, No. 18 Northern Iowa.

“We always look forward to this match so much because UNI is such a great program,” Johnson-Lynch said. “I have so much respect for that program, and I think it’s always a dog fight, even if it’s three games, it’s a dog fight, so it’s going to be a great match.”

The 11th-ranked Cyclones (5-1) will be facing a Panther (5-1) team that is coming off a five-set upset of then-eighth-ranked Minnesota in Minneapolis, where junior middle blocker Michelle Burow recorded 23 kills. Junior setter Bre Payton also managed to record her third triple-double of the season, registering 10 kills, 50 assists and 13 digs for the Panthers.

“Their setter attacks the ball a lot, and that’s a whole other issue you have to prepare for,” Johnson-Lynch said of Payton. “She’s very dynamic, very athletic, and you never quite know what she’s going to do.”

Two years ago, the Panthers came to Hilton Coliseum and defeated the Cyclones in four sets after the Cyclones took the first set, 25-22.

“We don’t really talk about revenge or avenging a loss or anything like that,” Johnson-Lynch said. “A lot of the players who are on the floor now weren’t on the floor a couple years ago, but we do remind them that this is a very good team. We’ll remind them that it’s a great team coming in, and we’re going to have to bring our very best to have a shot.”

The players have gotten that message.

“They’re big competition for us, they’re always ready for us,” said junior right side hitter Kelsey Petersen. “It’s an in-state rivalry, so I know they’re coming to get us this weekend, but we’ll be ready for them.”

Petersen had managed to turn heads this past weekend, hitting .423 and averaging 2.46 kills per set. On the season, the Kearney, Neb., native is hitting a career-best .359 while averaging 2.24 kills.

“She’s been pretty determined over the summer to get in the best shape she possibly could, and I just find that she’s been very motivated to take it to the next level,” Johnson-Lynch said of Petersen. “I think with Kelsey having more competition at the right side spot has really forced her to up her game. I think the competition we have and the depth we have has been great for Kelsey.”

Johnson-Lynch said she is not seeing some past inconsistencies in Petersen’s game so far this year.

“In the past Kelsey would maybe have a great match but then struggle the next match and had trouble with consistency,” Johnson-Lynch said. “So far this year, we’ve seen four out of six matches she’s hit spectacular, and then in the other two matches where she didn’t hit as high she still did a really nice job. In the past, those numbers would have gone up and then gone way down, and she’s really kept them stable so far this season.”

Johnson-Lynch has also been impressed with the development of Alison Landwehr, who has had some big shoes to fill — those of All-American graduate Kaylee Manns — at setter.

“We’re hitting for very high percentages, in particular our outside and right-side attackers are hitting better than they ever have, and I think that’s a reflection of the job that Landwehr is doing,” Johnson-Lynch said. “I think she’s just doing a great job running the offense.”

Landwehr said the team’s improved hitting has acted as a direct compliment to how she has been playing as of late.

“We’ve been hitting very well, which is exciting for me. It makes me feel better about what I’m doing and they’re responding,” Landwehr said. “That also reflects on our passing, we’ve been passing really well, which allows us to have that high hitting percentage. As long as we continue that and keep picking up our defense and keep that going, then we’ll be good.”

The Cyclones start their match with the Panthers at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Ames High School.