After a heart-wrenching loss to Kansas on Oct. 13 in five games, the ISU volleyball squad is prepared to show what talent is underneath the surface.

The Cyclones will travel to Lawrence, Kan., on Wednesday night for a Big 12 showdown. The Jayhawks most recently defeated Oklahoma in three games; Oklahoma crushed Iowa State on Saturday in three straight contests.

Kansas is 12-7 overall and 3-7 in Big 12 play. Iowa State is 8-12 overall but has only one win in the Big 12. Cyclones players said this win could be the one to shake off their losing streak.

“They will come out stronger because they know we can challenge them,” said sophomore libero Katie Churm. “They won’t mess around with us.”

Iowa State can expect powerful Jayhawk hitters to make an early appearance and relentless campaign. Senior Ashley Michaels thrashed the Cyclones with 22 kills, followed by 18 from Josi Lima, who also did her part in the back court with 15 digs in their first meeting.

“The outside hitters on their side of the fence had an unstopped game. They will be consistent, and we need to be a bit more stable,” said ISU coach Linda Crum.

A bigger block and offense on the right side will be key points for Iowa State, as well as more fluency from the middles and outsides.

“We need to serve aggressively and handle ball control, and finishing is key for us,” Churm said.

Crum expects Kansas to provide a familiar threat, as well as an enthusiastic home court advantage.

“Their core will be similar with their same starters together,” she said.