The No. 8 ISU volleyball team will return home to begin the final stretch of its season against Kansas on Wednesday night at Hilton Coliseum.

Despite sweeping the Jayhawks (15-11, 7-9 Big 12) in Lawrence, Kan., on Oct. 10, Iowa State (22-4, 14-3) is prepared to see a much different team that has been climbing the Big 12 standings over the past few weeks.

“We’re going to see a team that’s playing pretty well, is pretty confident and is excited about their potential to get into the NCAA tournament,” said coach Christy Johnson-Lynch.

Kansas is riding a two-match win streak that includes a 3–1 victory over No. 24 Baylor on Saturday. Much of the Jayhawks’ recent success can be attributed to junior outside hitter Karina Garlington, who recorded 33 kills in last week’s matches and ranks in the top 10 in kills for the Big 12.

“Karina Garlington is playing really well,” Johnson-Lynch said. “She’s got great numbers and is developing into one of the best outside hitters in the conference.”

Garlington won’t be the only obstacle for the Cyclones. Sophomore outside hitter Allison Mayfield also ranks in the top 10 in the conference for kills and is averaging 3.67 per set.

“We kind of know offensively what they want to do so we just have to focus on stopping that,” said senior setter Kaylee Manns. “They have really strong outside hitters and they run a quick offense with their middle and right side. We just need to serve tough and get them out of their offense.”

The Cyclones controlled the last meeting between the teams, especially at the net. Iowa State outblocked Kansas 13–2, including 11 combined block assists from middle blockers Jamie Straube and Debbie Stadick.

“Straube did a really good job,” Stadick said. “We just want to stay focused more on what they’re doing and not on what we’re doing.”

Johnson-Lynch said the team will take different approach to this match not only because of Kansas’s play as of late, but also to keep the Jayhawks guessing.

“Even though we beat them in three last time, if we can make some adjustments we can hopefully control the match again,” Johnson-Lynch said.

With the loss to Nebraska becoming a thing of the past, Iowa State has regained its confidence that brought it so much success this season. With the season winding down, the team’s demeanor has become more focused on what is at stake.

“We’re kind of in that light at the end of the tunnel phase,” Johnson-Lynch said. “I think this is the fun part of the season when you begin to really get excited about the NCAA tournament.”

”I sense a little bit more motivation and energy from the team because they know we’re getting to the most important part of the season,” she said.

One of the most important factors for the Cyclones down the stretch is that two of the last three matches will be played in Hilton Coliseum, where the team holds a record of 9-1 on the season.

“Everybody loves home games,” Manns said. “You get to go with the flow all day and come play at the same place you practice every day.”

First serve from Hilton is set for 6:30 p.m.