The Iowa State volleyball team opened its Big 12 schedule with a win over Colorado Wednesday night at Hilton Coliseum.

The No. 10 Cyclones (9-1) defeated the Buffaloes (5-5) in three straight sets 25–18, 25–11 and 25–13 to give them their best start in school history through 10 games.

Going into Big 12 play, coach Christy Johnson-Lynch wanted the team to improve hitting percentage and blocking numbers, both of which they were able to do tonight in a well-balanced match.

“Our outsides have always been pretty consistent and pretty steady,” Johnson-Lynch said. “We got more kills and better transition out of our middles as well.”

After a tight first set, the Cyclones settled in and controlled the rest of the match. They hit .371 as a team on the night and were able to build leads as big as 18–8 in the second set.

“We were able to take them out of their game with our serving,” said senior setter Kaylee Manns. “We were getting free balls and perfect passes right to me and I could set anybody I wanted.”

The Cyclones were able to control the net as well, grabbing an eight-to-three advantage on team blocks.

“We’ve been working on a lot of blocking the past week,” said sophomore middle blocker Debbie Stadick. “We’re going to focus on that a lot and hopefully keep getting better.”

The play at the net allowed reigning Big 12 defensive player of the week Ashley Mass some time to relax and record nine digs on the night.

“That was the result of the score more than anything,” Johnson-Lynch said. “When you have games that go to the end she’s going to have more digs.”

Junior outside hitter, and Big 12 offensive player of the week, Victoria Henson led the team with 12 kills and also recorded six digs. Senior middle blocker Diane Kieger was also in double digits in kills with 10 in three sets of action. Manns was the only Cyclone in double figures with 33 assists and 10 digs.

While the Cyclones were able to execute most of their game plan, players would have liked to have played better defensively.

“We need to keep working on our defense,” Johnson-Lynch said. “That’s how we score points and that’s how we win our matches.”

Henson believes the team could have done better on defense and blocking.

“Hopefully we’ll take what we’ve learned from this game and get better,” Henson said.

The Buffaloes were led by redshirt sophomore outside hitter Rosie Steinhaus, who recorded nine kills and six digs. Senior setter Kaitlyn Burkett paced the Buffaloes with 18 assists.

The Cyclones will be tested in the Big 12 immediately when they head to No. 2 Texas on Friday night.

“It’s going to be top-notch, amazing volleyball and we’re so excited,” Manns said.

The match against Texas starts at 6:30 p.m.