While it may seem like a matchup of David versus Goliath when the ISU volleyball team takes on No. 11 Texas on Tuesday night, it should be a better match than the rankings indicate.

The Cyclones match up well with Texas, putting strength against strength. The Longhorn attack is second in the conference with 16.76 kills per game, but the Cyclones hope to neutralize that potent offense with their blocking, which is one of the best in the nation.

“You are going to see some balls banging Tuesday night because they are a big, physical, offensive team,” said coach Christy Johnson. “But I like the way we match up with them because of our blocking.”

Iowa State is currently the sixth-best blocking team in the nation, averaging 3.54 blocks per game. Junior Erin Boeve has been a huge part of that, ranking sixth in the nation individually in blocks per game with 1.73. Her counterpart in the middle, senior Jessica Klein, is also making a national showing, adding 1.48 blocks per game, good for 30th in the nation.

“Blocking just gets the team going,” Boeve said. “I get more joy from blocking a ball than I do swinging.”

Momentum is a huge factor in volleyball, especially in the rally-scoring era, and a big block can swing momentum instantly. It also changes what an offense tries to do and can rattle opponents.

“[Boeve] is beginning to affect hitters’ decisions,” Johnson said. “They know there is going to be a big block in front of them and makes them change their decisions and really gets in their heads.”

With two ranked opponents coming to Ames this week, including No. 17 Missouri on Saturday, the team realizes how important it is to make a strong showing and prove it belongs in the national discussion. Wins would validate past victories and show they weren’t flukes.

“Now that we are back at home and have two ranked teams coming in, it is a huge week for us,” Johnson said. “It is a big opportunity for us. We could make some statements this week.”

The Cyclones beat Texas last year at home and are looking at that match for confidence this year. Johnson said they don’t want to look back, but they can take things from that game.

“It showed us that any night we can play with any team in the country,” Johnson said. “It gives you a little more motivation to say we actually do have a shot at some of the top teams in the country.”

The team is coming off a big week, beating Kansas State for the first time in 10 years, and is trying to build upon these wins as the season goes on.

“Volleyball is a game of momentum, so it was nice to get these last two wins this past week,” Boeve said.

“As long as we can keep our winning streak alive, we can prove to people that Iowa State is a good volleyball program, and it’s nice to know that when we play these big programs, we can win.”