It’s been 40 days since the ISU volleyball team kicked off the 2008 season, and for the first time since the season began, the Cyclones will finally get the chance to step back and take a break this week.

In a season that has included matches against national powers and several NCAA qualifying teams from last year, the Cyclones really haven’t had much time to breathe. Through the first 37 days of the season, beginning with the first match of the year on Aug. 29, Iowa State has played 17 matches, an average of one match every 2.18 days.

Once Big 12 play hits, teams will have 20 total conference matches, playing twice a week every Wednesday and Saturday from mid-September to November. The Cyclones will get one of two scheduling breaks from conference play with a day off this Wednesday, with the other coming on Saturday, Nov. 15. The absence of a match this Wednesday has allowed the team to take Tuesday off from practice, and while a one day respite may not seem like much, the players and coaches couldn’t ask for more.

“Just having one day off really energizes you, both mentally and physically,” said coach Christy Johnson. “This gives them a chance to catch up on their studies and catch up on sleep, which is huge for us.”

The Cyclones (10-7, 2-4 Big 12) may not have the record they were hoping for at this point in the season, but they’re optimistic that a week free of matches will give them a chance to collect their thoughts and concentration. The team got a good start to the break on Saturday with a 3-0 blasting of Oklahoma, which snapped a four-match losing streak, the program’s first since 2005.

“[The Oklahoma] match was a great confidence booster for us,” said setter Kaylee Manns. “We really needed this, because it shows us just how good we can be, what level we can play at, and that we can roll over teams that we should beat.”

While conference play doesn’t come with any easy wins, the Cyclones hope they can get back on track next week, as all of their next three opponents were ranked below them in the preseason poll. Starting on the road with Baylor on Saturday, the matches will continue with Texas Tech at home and Colorado on the road.

Despite being ranked eighth in the preseason, Baylor has surpassed all expectations by going 12-3 so far and starting the Big 12 with a 4-1 mark. Texas Tech and Colorado are on the opposite end of success, as they currently possess a combined record of 13-18.

“In the Big 12, it’s anyone’s game any night,” Manns said. “But I think having Wednesday off is really going to help us to get everything back together. We still need to come out every night like we’re playing Nebraska or Texas, because at the point where we are in the season, Baylor and Texas Tech will be just as important.”

Unlike the Cyclones, Baylor does not get the same fortune of an off day, leading up to next weekend’s match-up, as the Bears have to face No. 3 Texas on the road Wednesday, before hosting Iowa State on Saturday. Baylor is undefeated (9-0) at home this season.