In each of its five previous victories this season, the ISU volleyball team had no problem taking the first set of off its opponents.

It was the second set that had given the Cyclones trouble.

But that problem was fixed in bold fashion Wednesday night, as the No. 11 Cyclones (6-1) dominated the first set against No. 18 Northern Iowa (5-2) but didn’t let their guard down or get too comfortable with their lead.

“That first set was a huge confidence boost for us,” said middle blocker Jamie Straube. “And we know that it’s hard to get behind and how much harder you have to work to come back, so we made sure to get on top early and keep pushing the entire time we were ahead.”

In earlier matches against then-No. 14 Kentucky and North Dakota State, Iowa State took the first set without too much problem, but proceeded to drop the following set and head into the locker room tied 1-1.

The Cyclones’ match against South Dakota State was nearly the same, as they barely squeaked out a 26-24 second-set win.

But Wednesday night, after coming out of the gates early for a quick 25-16 first set win, Iowa State managed to fight out of an early second set deficit to take a 2-0 lead at intermission.

The third set brought out more of that same tenacity, with the Cyclones down by as much as 18-13 before winning nine of the next 12 points and storming back to take the sweep. 

“We went into the locker room at the break knowing they’re a team that has gone five sets almost every match this season,” said junior middle blocker Deb Stadick. “I think our focus really came through and showed after that. We had a couple lapses, but for the most part we were making good decisions, and never losing that focus helped a lot.”

Starting the annual block party

For nearly all of coach Christy Johnson-Lynch’s tenure, the Cyclones have always been a defensive force and had continued to put up several great blocking numbers every season.

And although Johnson-Lynch has described her 2010 squad as the most physical and athletic she’s ever coached, the team’s defensive play above the net had been less than satisfactory.

But all the potential they had talked about in the preseason finally burst out against the Panthers, as the Cyclones notched a season-high 10 blocks, six of which same in the first set alone.

“We really felt early in the season we didn’t put up the blocking numbers that we’d like,” Johnson-Lynch said. “That was going to be our strength, and it should be a strength because we’re pretty big, pretty physical, so we’re working on it, and technically we’ve been blocking better.”

Four Cyclones had three blocks or more Wednesday night, led by right side Kelsey Petersen’s six. Stadick, Straube and Carly Jenson each followed with five, four and three, respectively.

Dealing with Payton

Players said success with blocking came after countless hours of blocking practice during the last week, much of it due to preparation for the unique talents of UNI’s junior setter Bre Payton.

The lefty poses problems for all opponents, as her ability to set, dump and swing in a variety of situations and locations keeps everybody on their feet.

Payton had already tallied three triple-doubles in six matches this season, but was held to just six kills on .111 hitting to go along with just 25 assists and nine digs.