The ISU volleyball team has already dominated the Texas A&M Aggies in a three-game sweep once this year.

But that was six weeks and 11 Big 12 matches ago. The Cyclones (14-9, 8-5 Big 12) also have to go to College Station this time.

“It’s been so long since we’ve played them, it’s almost like you forgot you’ve even played them,” coach Christy Johnson said. “It’s a whole new match.”

Iowa State had to come back from a 2-1 deficit last season when the team traveled to Texas A&M, and sophomore setter Kaylee Manns said the Cyclones want to avoid the struggles they had in College Station last season.

“This year I hope that doesn’t happen,” Manns said. “It’s a really good atmosphere for volleyball.”

“We played the second week of the season, but that was a long time ago, and they’ve gotten better and we’ve gotten better,” Manns said.

The Aggies (17-7, 6-7 Big 12) have won four of their last five matches to tie for sixth in the conference. Their only loss in that stretch was a tough four-game loss to the Oklahoma Sooners, who are tied for third in the Big 12.

Johnson said Texas A&M’s conference record does not reflect what kind of level it can play at physically.

“They had a transfer setter and I think she’s gotten more comfortable,” Johnson said. “A&M is a very physical team and they are athletic.”

The Cyclones are coming off a sweep of winless Colorado, where they started fast and never let up, and senior middle blocker Erin Boeve said the win Wednesday helped create some momentum going into this match.

“I thought we had a really good night offensively and I think that will help us out,” Boeve said. “But it is very tough atmosphere to play in at A&M.”

Texas A&M, 7-3 this season at home, has not played since its loss to the Sooners on Saturday in Norman, Okla. The Aggies have hit .240 in the Big 12 Conference, but have allowed a .249 hitting percentage. In comparison, Iowa State has hit .227 while holding its opponents to a .192 mark.

Manns said the Cyclones have to be prepared for the number of things Texas A&M could throw at them.

“Every aspect of the game has changed,” Manns said. “In the Big 12, it always does, so we have to come really prepared.”

The match Saturday has been moved up to 1 p.m. because of the Texas A&M football game against Oklahoma, but Johnson said the early start should not be a problem.

“You always have to do it at least a few times a year,” Johnson said. “We’ll have to get up a little earlier and get the blood flow going a little earlier.”

Scouting the Aggies

Record: 17-7 overall, 6-7 Big 12

Player to watch: OH Sarah Ammerman (4.12 kills per game, 2.54 digs per game, .262 hitting percentage)

Notes: Texas A&M is 11-0 outside of Big 12 play, only dropping one game, but has been below .500 in conference matches.

The Aggies are 23-4 all-time against the Cyclones, but Iowa State has won the last three matches.