Despite stretches of energized play, the ISU volleyball squad was unable to overcome a tall and agile No. 13 Texas A&M team Wednesday night in College Station.

A&M swept the Cyclones in three games by scores of 30-23, 30-26 and 30-21, taking Iowa State’s record to a dismal 8-19 overall and 1-18 in Big 12 play. The Aggies’ towering presence over Iowa State was a huge factor, as they pounded 10 blocks compared to Iowa State’s two.

“A&M did a great job blocking, and we had a lot of blocks as well, but their advantage was that they covered our blocks well. The statistics look like we had none, but their defense just covered well,” said ISU head coach Linda Crum.

Crum said she was pleased with her team’s play in games one and two, noting its passing.

The consistency from the outside hitters was also a bonus on the night, as two ended with a clip of .250.

“The girls did a good job attack-wise, and they followed their serving targets, which kept A&M predictable offensively,” Crum said.

ISU sophomore Nicole Lorenzen said the team’s passing was a high point, which allowed the offense to be effective, and the Cyclones were able to execute without errors.

Although the Cyclones pressured A&M the entire contest, the team was no match for Aggie Melissa Munsch, who was flawless with 14 kills on no errors. She also racked up 14 digs and stuffed six blocks.

Laura Jones blasted 13 kills, followed by teammate Christi Hahn with 11.

Lorenzen paced the Cyclones with 14 kills. Katie Jessen added 11 kills, while Erin Boeve chipped in nine kills against the Aggies.

Amanda Craig notched her 13th double-double of the season with 30 assists and 13 saves, and Brittany Dalager continued to be a digging force with 14 on the night.

Nearing the end of Iowa State’s season, the competition won’t be any easier as the Cyclones take on No. 11 Texas on Sunday at Hilton. The Longhorns stampeded through the Kansas team, posting a 3-1 victory to hike their record to 22-3 overall and 14-3 in the Big 12.

“We have to concentrate on the things we did against A&M, such as serving aggressively and passing well,” Crum said. “They put up a big block, but we have the chance if we take care of business and challenge them.”

In the teams’ last meeting, Texas wasted no time dismantling the Cyclones in three consecutive games, as Iowa State’s serving and ball handling proved to be the err of its ways.

Senior Mira Topic led the Longhorn charge with 22 kills, followed by 11 from senior Bethany Howden.

Topic holds a staggering lead over the conference in kills, averaging 6.16 a game.

“Last time we played, our passing and defense were bad, and we broke down in all areas,” Lorenzen said. “We can’t let them intimidate us, and we can’t give up.”

Crum said the team has worked hard all year, and though disappointed, the heart it has shown has been undeniable.

“We set some loftier goals, and even though we didn’t achieve them, they were still important. Teams know we are one of the scariest teams in the conference because we can compete with them, but we just haven’t closed that gap yet,” Crum said. “We beat [Texas] last year here at home and can do it again if we stick to our guns. We stay positive and try to create a positive environment.”