The ISU volleyball team wants to make history Wednesday as it takes on No. 1 Nebraska in Lincoln, Neb.

Iowa State has never defeated the Cornhuskers, with 0-68 all-time record against them, but this year may be the best chance the Cyclones have had in a while.

“The toughest thing about playing Nebraska is playing in that gym,” said coach Christy Johnson. “Last year we came in with a deer-in-the-headlights look on our face, so this year we need to come in there with a little more poise, and I think we will.”

Four of the starters played in this game last year, gaining valuable experience about how to play at Nebraska. The Nebraska Coliseum is considered one of the toughest places to play in the country. Opponents are treated to a sea of red, every seat filled with a Nebraska fan.

With a record of 9-2, Iowa State is receiving votes in the national coaches poll for the first time in years, a testament to level the Cyclones have risen to. Although they may not be at Nebraska’s level quite yet, they do have some things going for them that could lead to an upset.

Iowa State is seventh in the nation in blocks per game, averaging just more than 3.5, which should help the team against Nebraska’s potent offense. As a team, the Cornhuskers are hitting .339, which is good for second in the nation.

“If we block really well, we can match up with anyone in the nation,” Johnson said.

Some of that poise they need might come from the Cyclones recent success. The team is coming off a big sweep of a very good Baylor team and is riding a four-game winning streak.

“We just have to go in there with the same confidence as if it were any other team,” said junior Erin Boeve.

The biggest key for Iowa State will be stopping the Cornhuskers best player, Sarah Pavan. The two-time All-American is second in the nation with 5.29 kills per game.

“We are definitely going to have to contain their best player,” Johnson said. “We have to try and slow her down.”

One point of extra motivation for the team is the fact that Johnson is a Nebraska alumna. Johnson was a setter for the Cornhuskers from 1991 to 1995, and was twice named All-American. She led Nebraska to a national championship in 1995.

Going back to her old school is a unique experience for Johnson, especially as an opposing coach.

“It’s always a ton of fun for me, nerve-racking too, because these are people I really care about and want to do well in front of,” Johnson said. “Mostly it’s just a really fun night.”

The players are well aware of their coach’s accomplishments and know that going back to that gym is a great opportunity to show what she has done as a coach. They want to get that first-ever win against Nebraska, but they also want to play well for their coach.

“Every win we get, we want to get it for her, but this one especially,” Boeve said.

History and tradition are against them, but the Cyclones have confidence going into the match. They believe they can win and aren’t going to let the Nebraska prestige get to them. They even have the recipe for success.

“We just got to do well what we do well,” Johnson said. “If we do that, we can play with anybody.”