If there was ever a time for the ISU volleyball team to take on No. 1 Nebraska, Wednesday night is it.

While Nebraska is undefeated, the 17-7 Cyclones are on a roll of their own, winning five straight games and six of their last seven, their longest conference winning streak since 1990 when they were part of the Big 8.

“If I could ask for any point in the season where we could have Nebraska at home, this would be it,” said coach Christy Johnson.

Everything has been coming together lately. The offense and defense are both firing on all cylinders and, most importantly, the team is confident.

“This is the best time to play Nebraska,” said senior Katie Churm. “I think they will underestimate our motivation and what kind of streak we are on. This could possibly be a very exciting night.”

The last time these two teams clashed, Iowa State came out focused and pushed the Cornhuskers to a 31-29 decision in game one before falling off and getting swept. Nebraska is still playing great volleyball, but this is a much improved Cyclone team.

Since that match, Iowa State has taken a vigorous approach to defense, raising its blocks and digs per game and is now leading the conference in both at 3.28 a game and 17.33 per game, respectively. Nebraska is ranked second in both categories.

Blocking has normally been Nebraska’s forte, leading the conference the past eight years, and that the Cyclones lead the conference is a testament to their improvement.

“To have a stat like that shows how well our defense is doing and what a great job our blockers are doing,” Johnson said.

Team members are excited to measure themselves against the top-ranked team in the nation and prove they should be reckoned with. Pitting their defensive skills against Nebraska’s potent offense is a challenge the players are relishing.

“We are a good defensive team, but obviously they are a good offensive team, so it is going to be interesting to see what happens when we play them Wednesday,” said junior Erin Boeve.

This match is a no-lose situation for the Cyclones. They are the underdogs, and few people are expecting them to do much – let alone win. They know that just taking a game would be an impressive showing, and are using that mentality to stay loose.

Staying loose is what Iowa State needs to do to shock the Cornhuskers. All season Johnson has reiterated that her team plays better when they are relaxed, and the team is keeping that in mind heading into Wednesday.

“We have nothing to lose playing the No. 1 team in the nation,” Boeve said. “I just feel that if we go in there, worry about ourselves and play our game, we’ll be fine.”

Nebraska is as close to a perfect team as there is in college volleyball today. The Huskers hit well, block well and play great defense. They are in the top two in the conference for all statistics, and it is going to take a focused and error-free effort from the Cyclones to pull off the upset.

“There is no question that we will have to be on the very top of our game to have a shot at beating them,” Johnson said. “But, we are a physical blocking team, and given the fact that we are playing well, playing with confidence, playing at home, I am really excited to see how we match up with a team like that.”

First serve is at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Hilton Coliseum. Admission is free to students, faculty and staff with their ISU cards.