Though the scores reflected an easy match for Nebraska against the ISU volleyball squad Saturday, the Cyclones held their own against the No. 4 team in the nation.

It was a clean sweep for Nebraska at Hilton, but the team also faced some competition from Iowa State.

The Cyclones (8-14, 1-12 Big 12) kept Nebraska (19-1, 13-0) to a .170 hitting percentage, unprecedented to a team that usually churns out a clip of .300.

“I wonder who is the last team who can say that they kept Nebraska to that low of a hitting percentage,” said ISU coach Linda Crum.

Game one started with both teams neck-and-neck until Nebraska found its groove around 20 points and quietly pulled away to a 30-19 win.

“There’s a reason they’re No. 4, and that’s because they never lose focus,” Crum said. “Right before point 20, we lost them. That’s how a good team separates themselves from the rest.”

Despite bursting out with a 4-0 lead in game two, Iowa State was quickly trumped in a 30-16 loss. The third game was a blocking showcase by Nebraska freshman Tracy Stalls, who nailed four block assists and one solo for “the best blocking team in the nation, no question,” Crum said.

Nebraska wrapped up the game 30-20.

Nebraska totaled 17.5 blocks on the night, compared to Iowa State’s seven. Iowa State had a season-low minus-.089 hitting percentage.

Jennifer Saleaumua led the Huskers with eight kills and 18 digs. Amanda McCormick chipped in 11 digs, and setter Dani Busboom lifted 26 assists.

Junior Amanda Craig ended with 19 assists and 17 digs.

Brittany Dalager knocked in 13 digs and was the single Cyclone to finish positive in hitting percentage, at .091.

Crum was proud of the team’s serving night, which produced five aces and six errors.

“When you have a serving ratio nearly one-to-one with little errors, that’s a huge goal for us,” she said.

“We had stretches when we made them not pass well with our serves.”

Meghan Ferrie said the match was a vast improvement from the teams’ first outing, which was “like a roller coaster.”