ISU setter Kaylee Manns is closing in on a feat that only one other player has accomplished in ISU volleyball history.

Manns needs 134 digs to become the second player in school history to record 1,000 assists and 1,000 digs in her career.

Coach Christy Johnson said Manns is an even bigger asset to the team because she is an outstanding defensive player while distributing the ball on offense.

“A lot of setters tend to overlook the defensive part and leave early and just want to get to the net and set the ball,” Johnson said. “Kaylee is so good at staying back and playing defense and she has really quick reactions.”

Lisa Burke, who played for the Cyclones from 1988 to 1991, is the only other Cyclone to accomplish the feat. Libero Ashley Mass is also closing in on 1,000 digs, needing only 149.

Senior Jen Malcom said Manns is also taking on a big role of leadership on the team.

“It’s helping the team, the way she is distributing the ball and playing in the back row,” Malcom said.

Mahoney steps up Cyclone serving

Since moving into the regular rotation four matches ago, freshman Caitlin Mahoney has had seven service aces and averaged more than two digs per set from her defensive specialist position.

Johnson said Mahoney has been a pleasant surprise with her play, especially from the service line.

“I figured she would contribute, but I didn’t know she would contribute as much as she is,” Johnson said. “It’s great to have a jump server on our team and she is really consistent with her jump serve.”

Mahoney has had only four errors in the past four matches and is now second in the conference in service aces per set.

“We tend to score points when she is serving,” Johnson said. “Defensively, she is really solid and doesn’t make many errors.”

Match with Texas Tech opens home stand

After playing four of their last six matches on the road, the Cyclones’ match with the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Wednesday opens a stretch in which the Cycones will play four of its next five matches at home.

“We don’t have to worry about traveling, so we can really take time to just focus and get ready for the game,” said freshman Rachel Hockaday.

This could bode well for Iowa State, which is 3-4 in the conference, because the team is 5-2 at Hilton Coliseum this season.

Johnson said it is great to not have to take commercial flights like they did to Waco, Texas, to play Baylor on Saturday.

“Those can be kind of taxing on your body,” Johnson said. “It’s nice to have several days where you don’t have to get that bag out and pack it again.”

New ratings percentage index released

One of the tools the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee uses to decide who makes the NCAA Tournament is the Ratings Percentage Index.

The NCAA released its second version of these rankings Monday, with Iowa State placed at No. 35, nine spots down from the previous version two weeks ago.

Iowa State is one of six Big 12 teams in the top 64, and the Cyclones own victories over two of those — Baylor and Oklahoma — with a match against No. 13 Kansas State coming up Oct. 22.

Johnson said the RPI is just another example of how tough the Big 12 is from top to bottom.

“It enforces the idea that you have to be ready every night,” Johnson said.

“It makes for a more stressful job, going out there and playing those guys every night.”