It’s amazing what 30 minutes can do.

The extra time senior Diane Kieger spent in the gym the last few weeks was evident on Wednesday night in the Cyclones’ victory over Colorado.

After watching freshman Jamie Straube step into the starting middle blocker position in the Iowa State’s season opener, Kieger was determined to prove she belonged on the court.

“It is my senior year, so I really want to put everything out there, play like I can — really aggressively,” Kieger said. “I get one more shot and I’ve got to put it all on the line.”

With an efficient offensive attack, a strong serving game and a defensive effort, Kieger’s determination was well displayed in the Cyclones’ victory over the Buffaloes. Kieger began the game on a high note, leading Iowa State in kills with six in the first set. The 6-foot-4 middle blocker did not commit any hitting errors in set one.

The Shoreview, Minn., native finished the game with 10 kills  — tying her season high for 2009 — and committed just one hitting error the entire night, posting a blistering .600 attacking percentage.

“She’s been playing really, really well these last couple of weeks,” said head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch. “She seems very determined and I talked with her a few weeks ago about proving that she has to be out on the floor for us and that she will not be denied, and I think she’s doing that.”

In the gym nearly a half an hour before practice begins, Kieger has been concentrating on hitting quicker and getting up fast in transition plays. The senior middle is set to do whatever it takes to gain her time on the floor.

“I want to play the whole year and I want to work hard in any way possible and play the way I know I can,” Kieger said.

Middle blocking coach Trudy Vande Berg has noticed her determination recently in practice as Kieger has focused on blocking footwork and perfecting her arm swing.

“Really in the last couple of weeks she has stuck out as someone to me who has really been working hard and being very focused,” Vande Berg said. “Even her serve is pretty nasty right now.”

That “nasty” serve was also demonstrated against the Buffaloes, as Kieger contributed a service ace. Defensively, the middle added two blocking assists for the Cyclones in the sweep.

“She’s proving that she needs to be out there,” Johnson-Lynch said.