While there are some in-state bragging rights on the line this weekend, the ISU volleyball team is more concerned with wins than titles.

Iowa State will have the chance to win the unofficial state championship, as well as get points in the Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk series, when it takes on Iowa (4-1) and Drake (2-2) this weekend.

The Cyclones open the Drake Classic against No. 21 LSU (6-0) at 5 p.m. Friday at the Knapp Center in Des Moines. On Saturday, the Cyclones face Iowa (4-1) at 12:30 p.m. and Drake (2-2) at 7 p.m.

The hypothetical state title isn’t something the team is considering. For coach Christy Johnson, it is little more than hype.

“For me, I don’t really think about a state championship,” Johnson said. “I just want to win.”

Last year was the first time volleyball was counted in the Cy-Hawk series, and Johnson wants to make the most of the opportunity her team has been given.

“As a coach I want to represent Iowa State the best that I can and earn some points for the athletic department,” Johnson said.

For the players, having the chance to extend Iowa State’s lead in the Cy-Hawk series is an exciting prospect. The addition of volleyball to the Cy-Hawk series means the two teams will meet every year, rekindling a rivalry that has faded in recent years. The teams have only met twice since 1997.

“It’s nice to be a part of the Cy-Hawk series,” said senior Erin Boeve. “We really look forward to playing Iowa because it is such a big rivalry.”

While the team realizes they can hold the title of the best team in Iowa for the next year, winning that honor is only important because it means two more tallies in the win column.

“I’m sure we are thinking about Iowa and Drake and how we’d like to beat them,” said senior Lauren Cummings. “At the same time we have to focus on [LSU] first.”

Iowa State can’t afford to look ahead to the interstate matches with LSU looming. The Cyclones have had only one day to prepare for a team they know little about. The coaches haven’t had much time to watch film of the Tigers because of the busy schedule the past week.

What they can expect is an offense that likes to spread the ball around. Five players average more than two kills a game, led by sophomore middle blocker Lauren DeGirolamo’s 3.43 per game. Defensively, the Tigers have been averaging 3.1 blocks per game, more than twice than its opponents.

After what should be a tough test Friday, Saturday’s matches should be a little easier as the Cyclones get Iowa at 12:30 p.m., then Drake at 5 p.m.

The Cyclones haven’t lost to either team since 2000, going 6-0 against Drake and 2-0 against Iowa, beating both last season.

The tournament is the last nonconference tune-up for Iowa State, and the team is hoping for the momentum a strong showing could provide.

“It could give us a lot of confidence going into the Big 12 schedule,” Boeve said.