The ISU volleyball team will be back at home for one of its biggest conference matches this season when it takes on Texas A&M on Wednesday night at Hilton Coliseum.

The No. 13 Cyclones (14–3, 6–2 Big 12) host the No. 22 Aggies (12–3, 5–2), who jumped into the AVCA top 25 poll after upsetting No. 19 Baylor 3–1 in Waco last week.

“It’s a huge match for us,” coach Christy Johnson-Lynch said. “We’re happy to be back home.”

Iowa State spent last week on the road, defeating Oklahoma 3–1 last Wednesday and sweeping Kansas 3–0 on Saturday. With the Big 12 now boasting five teams in the top 25, Johnson-Lynch was pleased with the team’s ability to perform away from home.

“The past week was important for us in the Big 12 race, standings and ability to win on the road,” Johnson-Lynch said.

“Any win on the road is tough and you really have to go out and earn it.”

One of the biggest improvements the team has made in the past weeks is in blocking. The Cyclones now rank first in the Big 12 with 2.98 blocks per game after starting the season near the bottom of the category.

Freshman middle blocker Jamie Straube leads the Big 12 in blocks during conference play with 1.53 blocks per game.

“I’m really excited about the improvement in our blocking and defense,” Johnson-Lynch said. “To see that emergence has been pretty exciting.”

The Cyclones also lead the Big 12 with a .143 opponent hitting percentage, 15.24 kills per game and 14.20 assists per game. Contributing to those numbers are junior outside hitter Victoria Henson and senior setter Kaylee Manns, who were honored as the Big 12 offensive and defensive players of the week.

Texas A&M will bring a high-powered offense that ranks near the top of the Big 12 with 15.06 kills, 1.47 service aces and 14.25 assists per game. They are also hitting .276 as a team.

“They’re very physical, they’re well trained and they’re a great team,” Johnson-Lynch said. “We’re going to have to prepare for a lot of outside sets and people banging the ball out there.”

Texas A&M is led by senior outside hitters Sarah Ammerman, Jennifer Banse and Mary Batis, who average 4.09, 3.34 and 3.2 kills per set, respectively. A&M senior setter Kristen Schevikhoven is averaging 11.75 assists per game, second only to Manns.

While the strength of A&M’s offense can’t be ignored, the defense in another story.

The Aggies rank seventh in the conference in opponent hitting percentage and last in blocks with 1.57 per game.

Returning to Hilton will be a big factor for Iowa State. The Cyclones have won seven straight home matches and haven’t lost a single set in that stretch.

“I feel that Hilton is becoming one of the best places to play in the country,” Johnson-Lynch said. “It’s loud, there are people heckling the opponent and I feel that it is tough for people to come in and play at Hilton.”

First serve is set for 6:30 p.m. Iowa State has a bye this weekend and will resume play on Oct. 21 when the team travels to Lincoln to take on No. 7 Nebraska.