With some of the best programs in the Midwest competing in the ISU tournament, the Cyclones end exhibition play with a solid day of competition on Saturday. Opponents include Drake, Iowa, North Dakota State, Northern Iowa and University of Missouri-Kansas City. 

“This weekend we have several really competitive teams so we will get to see how we stack up to some of the better programs in the Midwest,” said head coach Christy Johnson. 

Both North Dakota State and Northern Iowa competed in the NCAA tournament in 2008. North Dakota State lost to Minnesota in the first round of the tournament and the Panthers fell to the Cyclones in round one. 

Up until now, the spring competition has consisted of traveling to play one game against opponents, and now the team has the chance to play five quick games in one day at home.

Each matchup will consist of only two sets played to 25. 

With more on the lineup than usual, the Cyclones will have a chance for players to see some extra time on the court. 

“We have quite a few bodies this spring, which is unusual,” Johnson said. 

It is unusual because Iowa State returns all but one starter and two reserve players to the squad in the fall. Senior middle blocker Jen Malcom left a spot for the Cyclones to fill in the lineup, while Mary Bisenius and Amy Vos contributed off the bench. 

“It gives us a chance to give everybody some playing time and really get a good look at everyone in the lineup,” Johnson said. 

Wednesday of next week will be the final day of the Cyclones’ spring practices, but the training doesn’t end there. 

“Even over the summer they are working out and working hard,” Johnson said.

The players will work with Iowa State’s strength coach and attend open gyms in their free time. 

Court One

9 a.m. – Iowa State vs. Iowa

10 a.m. – Iowa vs. UMKC

11 a.m. – Iowa State vs. Northern Iowa

Noon – Iowa State vs. NDSU

1 p.m. – UMKC vs. NDSU

2 p.m. – Iowa State vs. Drake

3 p.m. – Iowa State vs. UMKC

Court Two

9 a.m. – NDSU vs. Drake 

10 a.m. – NDSU vs. Northern Iowa 

11 a.m. – UMKC vs. Drake 

Noon – Iowa vs. Drake

1 p.m. – Northern Iowa vs. Iowa 

2 p.m. – Northern Iowa vs. UMKC