The upset was only points away, and even though the ISU volleyball squad couldn’t pull through, it showed the Big 12 that it’s still a team to be reckoned with.

Iowa State lost Saturday to No. 15 Kansas State (10-4) in what had originally seemed like a probable Wildcat win. The Cyclones took Kansas State to five games after being ahead 2-1 after the third.

Kansas State took the first game 30-22, but Iowa State roared back in two grueling extra-point games of 39-37 and 32-30. The Wildcats answered with a win of 30-13 and held off the Cyclones in a 15-9 decision.

“Kansas State is a great team, and we did a nice job of coming out and taking steps against that type of team,” said ISU head coach Linda Crum. “We were disciplined and focused and we really competed with them for every point.”

Crum said she was proud of how her team battled until the end of the fifth game when “the momentum got away from us.”

“Their hearts were there, and though we’re disappointed, they did a really nice job,” Crum said.

Freshman Erin Boeve, back from foot injuries, made a big impact for the Cyclones at the net, finishing with 13 kills to match her season and career bests.

Boeve said it was great to get back in the game and help her team, even if the result was a defeat.

“We were both excited and disappointed, being so close against such a good team,” she said.

“There were lots of mixed emotions.”

Crum said that though Boeve “sparked us quite a bit,” everyone played a significant part to contribute to the win.

“It was a total team effort,” she said.

“Our ball handling was better, and that’s what we’re really strong with this year. It rejuvenates the confidence back into our kids.”

Hitter Nicole Lorenzen and setter Amanda Craig each racked up a double-double in the match. Lorenzen capitalized on 10 kills and 11 digs; Craig had 52 assists and 11 saves.

Brittany Dalager notched 11 kills, four service aces and seven digs. Katie Jessen finished with 12 kills.

Iowa State’s next opponent arrives with a style much like that of Kansas State’s. Colorado is 8-5 overall and 3-3 in the Big 12 after a rout by Missouri on Saturday.

The Buffaloes defeated Kansas State earlier this season and also went five games with Texas, who trounced the Cyclones previously this season.

“They are a strong team and have lots of maturity,” Crum said. “They’re one year older now and, as seniors, that really impacts their play.”

Colorado is led by junior hitter Maragda Santillana, who is ranked ninth in the Big 12 in hitting percentage with a .336 clip. Junior Allie Griffin is fourth in the conference in kills with an average of 4.39 a game, followed by Santillana at 4.

Setter Ashley Nu’u regularly dishes out 12.06 assists a game, while Griffin and sophomore Lara Bossow are leaders in blocks. The team is among the top four in categories of blocking, kills, assists and hitting percentage.

Crum said the team will bring tough serving and great outside hitting to the table, including the 6-foot-4 Santillana, “who can do some damage.”

“We need to take Saturday’s loss and learn from it and not dwell on it,” Crum said. “You’re not guaranteed anything in the Big 12, and you have to have the confidence to go hard.”

The match against Colorado begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Hilton Coliseum.