Despite a promising and aggressive start, the ISU volleyball squad couldn’t contain the hammering swings of No. 18 Kansas State on Wednesday night at Hilton Coliseum in a four-game Wildcat win.

The Cyclones drop to 8-15 on the season and 1-13 in the Big 12, continuing a tumultuous streak that has left them in the pitfalls of the conference. Kansas State rises to 15-7 overall and 9-4 in the conference. The Cyclones have not topped the Wildcats since 1995, and the teams’ last outing was clinched by Kansas State in five.

The first game saw the Cyclones with a new starting roster, with freshman Meghan Ferrie playing at outside hitter and Brittany Dalager in at libero for the injured Katie Churm.

After Iowa State busted three quick points, Kansas State found its breath and started its polished play. True freshman Laura Cady stepped in for the Cyclones by breaking her career record of six digs in the first game, garnering seven. Though Iowa State held its own against the No. 18-ranked team, Kansas State’s execution was too efficient, and it took the 30-26 win.

Iowa State thundered back in game two with a rallying win of 30-25, pushed by sophomore hitter Katie Jessen with nine kills in strong Cyclone play.

Kansas State’s blocks became a focal point in game three. The Wildcats jumped out to an early 8-3 lead and held on for the 30-20 victory.

Effortless setting by preseason All-Big 12 senior Gabby Guerre to senior Vali Hejjas created a void too vast for the Cyclones to shrink. Hejjas’ unstoppable play caused quakes in the ISU digging department, as well as its serve reception.

With one chance to pull it together and take the match to five games, Iowa State put forth a display of urgency in game four. However, enormous Wildcat slams limited Iowa State’s passing, and blocks created more errors for the Cyclones. Though the team successfully chipped away at Kansas State’s lead, the Wildcats ended the night at 30-25.

The teams were on par in terms of statistics, with Kansas State just edging the Cyclones in most categories. The Wildcats churned out 65 kills, four more than Iowa State, and racked up a .204 hitting percentage to Iowa State’s .158.

Hejjas completed the night with 21 kills for the Wildcats, followed by Lisa Martin with 11 kills and eight blocks.

Jessen led all Cyclone hitters with 21 kills, setting a new career high and the most for any ISU player this season. Amanda Craig finished with 47 assists, earning a double-double in the process with 15 digs.

Dalager notched the lead in saves with 18, followed by Christine Smeele with 13. Nicole Lorenzen nabbed 11 along with 13 kills.