Defending home court is one thing, but doing so during a major program turnaround is a huge statement.

The Cyclone Classic is back after a year in hibernation, and the ISU volleyball team is back to reclaim the title after falling to Kentucky in 2003.

The Cyclones get their first chance for a home victory since Nov. 26, 2003, when they defeated Oklahoma 3-2. Their first win since an Oct. 11, 2004, match against Drake came last weekend at Creighton in the Bluejay Invitational, where Iowa State swept the tournament with a 2-0 record.

The challenge has been set for Friday, with matches against South Dakota State and Montana. They wrap up tournament play Saturday against Stephen F. Austin and intrastate rival Drake in a quest for the championship.

Coach Christy Johnson said all of the Cyclones’ opponents are very different and each brings a different style of play. She said the Cyclones must be ready for each style shown to them.

“We have a lot of games in two days,” Johnson said. “This will be a test that we can stay at it and to test our fitness level.”

Junior libero Katie Churm, who earned all-tournament accolades at the Bluejay Invitational, said the team will be ready for whatever is thrown at them.

“We are starting so much better prepared this season,” she said. “We are coming out a lot more aggressive and with more confidence.

“This is the first time we have been behind in a match and have been able to fight ahead. We don’t give up now, and we’re always able to fight back.”

South Dakota State enters the tournament in its second year of a five-year process to become a Division I school, and the volleyball program has been approved to D-I status. The Jackrabbits carry in a 1-3 record, with a win over Gonzaga.

Montana is hot off the heels of notching the title at the ASICS Invitational in Maine last weekend, bringing with them a 3-0 mark. Junior hitter Claudia Houle was recently named National Player of the Week by Collegiate Volleyball Update for her outstanding play in the tournament.

Against Drake, Johnson said her team will be ready to see some familiar faces across the net.

“I think it’s always fun for Iowa State to play them,” she said. “I think it’s a friendly rivalry, but also a very important game to us.”

Drake, who dropped games to Iowa and Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Iowa City last weekend, hopes to avenge a loss to the Cyclones last season. The Bulldogs are coached by former ISU associate coach Amy Farber Knowles.

“We’re going to be challenged by some really good teams, and it’s possible to win all four but we have to play well,” Johnson said. “We can’t overlook any teams; look at Stephen F. Austin, they had a big win over the weekend.”

Indeed, Iowa State’s final opponent defeated a strong Wichita State team in five games to tally a 1-1 record.

“We’re really excited to play at home and our mentality is that we’re going to win it,” Churm said. “The coaches have a lot of confidence in us, and they won’t let us settle for anything but our best.”

Johnson said the time for a home win is now, and this will be the time for the Cyclones to create something to remember.

“It’s important that we start to establish a tradition of our own,” she said.