This Saturday, the No. 11 Cyclones will host conference rival Kansas State. The Cyclones (9-3, 1-2) look to snap their two-match losing streak by beating a struggling Kansas State (6-6, 0-2) team. Despite the Wildcats inability to find wins this season, the Cyclones know they cannot overlook their opponent.

“Now, after [Wednesday’s loss to Baylor], we cannot overlook anybody,” said senior setter Kaylee Manns. “Everybody’s good, anybody can beat anybody on any given night, so we need to be that team that is for sure going to have those wins with the teams that are close.”

The Cyclones believe that Saturday’s game will act as a new beginning for the team. After two straight losses to conference opponents, the Cyclones feel they have something to prove.

“We just want to come out and play and prove ourselves again after our two losses,” said sophomore outside hitter Rachel Hockaday. “[Wednesday’s loss] was definitely a wake up call that we can’t just come in and expect to walk in the gym and win, we have to prove ourselves and prove our ranking.”

Saturday’s match will also mark the third time the Cyclones have played at home this season. The Cyclones understand that in order to be successful they will have to take advantage of every match played at home.

“Home wins are going to be real important this year,” said head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch. “There will be a lot of teams in a close race in the Big 12, so any time you can get a win at home, I think that’s real important; and then try to steal some on the road, that’s going to be huge.”

The Cyclones are looking to improve in a number of different areas  prior to their game against the Wildcats.

 In the past two matches, Iowa State has been hitting just .171. The team also stressed defensive effectiveness as a key area it will need to improve in.

“I think the biggest thing is we just have to play hard on our side, go after balls, play great defense and get back to what I believe is Cyclone volleyball, which is playing great defense and playing hard,” Johnson-Lynch said.

Manns agrees that the defense needs to improve, but also believes that in order for the Cyclones to be successful they will have to be more focused on playing as a team.

“Teams right now are out digging us and that never happens,” Manns said. “We’re a team that’s noted for our defense and digging everything. We definitely need to work on that and pretty much a lot of everything. Things just need to start coming together, we’re kind of playing as individuals right now.”