Iowa State captured its sixth conference win of the season in a 3-1 victory against Kansas on Wednesday night.

The Cyclones improved their record to 13-8 overall and 6-4 in the Big 12, while Kansas fell to 12-7 and 4-6. Iowa State evened the all-time series at 33.

Both teams had a turbulent night at the net, with Iowa State totaling a .142 hitting percentage to Kansas’ .156. Iowa State was outblocked 22-14 by the Jayhawks, who racked up 11 solo blocks to the Cyclones’ five. Iowa State, though, totaled four players in double-digit kills.

“We established the middle attack early, and when you do that you make the blockers honor your middle,” said coach Christy Johnson. “That allows you to scout the outside, and our outsides played very well.”

Iowa State held a seven-point lead in the first game before Kansas rallied back with a 6-0 run. An 11-5 ISU run settled the score and led the Cyclones to a 30-23 win.

The Cyclones were behind 22-17 before a timeout propelled the team on a 6-1 run to tie the score. Iowa State domineered the rest of the game to take the 30-27 victory.

Iowa State’s Katie Jessen slammed six kills in the second game, well on her way to tying a match-high 16 kills with Kansas’ Josi Lima.

Kansas upped Iowa State in game three by taking the early lead and running away with a .273 hitting percentage and a 30-25 win.

“I think the problem was a lot about defense, because we got a bit hesitant,” Johnson said. “In the games before we were picking up everything, but we let up in the third game and let balls drop. Kansas changed up some rotations, so we were faced with some different matchups.”

Iowa State matched Kansas’ winning game perfectly with an identical hitting percentage and score, but the win also captured the match for the Cyclones.

“We got some big kills at the end of the game, and that’s very important when it’s crunch time,” Johnson said.

Katie Churm led Iowa State with 14 digs, matching Kansas’ Paula Caten and Jamie Mathewson. Iowa State’s Laura Cady and Amanda Craig, as well as the Jayhawks’ Lima, also accrued double-digit digs. Craig earned her eighth double-double of the year with 50 assists as well.

Johnson said this win on the road is a great setup for Iowa State’s trip into the second round of the Big 12.

“I don’t think anyone would have guessed we’d be where we are now,” Johnson said.

“It’s exciting because it’s another step up for us, and now we’re expected to play well and win. It’s added pressure, but we’re ready for it.”