There’s only one blemish on the ISU volleyball team’s 6-1 start to the season.

The start of Big 12 play will challenge that mark right away when No. 12 Texas A&M comes to Hilton Coliseum on Wednesday.

Iowa State’s loss last weekend to Rice in the opening match of the University of Texas-San Antonio tournament has spurred the team to avoid any more losses.

“We lost that one game, and we don’t want to lose any more,” said junior setter Amanda Craig. “We’ve had a good preseason, and we want an even better conference run.”

The Aggies, a perennial conference heavyweight, hold a 4-2 record. Last weekend, they upset No. 8 California in three straight games.

“A&M is always a good team, always athletic and with lots of physical size,” said ISU head coach Linda Crum. “Many of their players are 6-1 or taller.”

In addition to a dominating net presence, Crum also notes the impeccable defense of the squad.

“Not only are they big, but they play one of the best defenses in the conference. They can handle the ball very well, and we just have to get them out of their system,” she said.

Texas A&M will open Big 12 play behind the efforts of 6-foot-1 inch senior middle blocker Melissa Munsch and 6-2 junior outside hitter Laura Jones, who dominate all areas of the net. The two, along with 6-1 junior middle blocker Kendra Felder, were named to the all-tournament team last weekend.

Munsch, an All-American, is also a back-row threat along with senior Carrie Moreira, who is leading the team with 3.07 digs a game. Junior setter Kari Kelley averages 11.29 assists per game.

The Cyclones will bring a balanced game against the physical Aggies by providing depth across the court. By eliminating one person to rely on, the squad feels the frequent possibility for substitutions is a blessing.

“There are so many girls accomplishing great things at the same level,” Crum said. “We are a team, not an individual, and it’s nice to have that many variations to work with. We want to see ourselves achieve the goals we set for conference play.”

Crum said losing to Rice was disappointing but, at the same time, a motivation. The Owls played like many Big 12 teams that the Cyclones will face and were similar in size to Texas A&M.

The squad is anxious to begin the shift from nonconference opponents.

“They are a beatable team, and we just really want this first home game,” Craig said.

First serve is at 7 p.m. in Hilton Coliseum.