The ISU volleyball team had a stretch where it played well on Wednesday night, but was unable to overcome a strong Missouri team, falling in straight sets, 3-0.

The loss dropped the Cyclones to 4-15 on the year and 1-13 in the Big 12 Conference while the Tigers improved to 18-6 overall and 8-6 in the Big 12.

“We just didn’t do a good job, especially with handling the serve,” ISU head coach Linda Crum said.

“[Missouri] really limited what we could do offensively. I felt that they just took us out of our system.”

The first game did not go well for the Cyclones with Missouri taking control from the beginning on its way to the 30-13 win.

Iowa State rebounded in game two and was able to stay competitive before dropping the game, 22-30.

Sophomore middle blocker Steph Sunkten led the Cyclones in the second game registering four kills on seven attempts. However, it wasn’t enough.

Crum said even though the Cyclones lost the second game, it was a completely different set than game one.

“We gained some momentum back in game two. We started to pass a little better,” she said, “and I thought we had some points in game two where we served a little bit better.”

The Cyclones came back after the break looking a little bit more confident, and it showed.

Missouri and Iowa State traded points most of the way untill the Tigers went on a 6-0 run with the Cyclones up by one, 20-19.

Iowa State was able to fight back with three straight points, but Missouri closed out the 30-26 win.

Crum said she definitely saw positives for the Cyclones in game three.

“Our ball control was what it needs to be,” she said. “Especially in that first 20 points, our ball control was good, and that’s how you stay competitive with teams.

“You run your offense, you can take them out of their blocking system, their defensive system, and you’re competitive with them.”

Senior outside hitter Mandi Harms led Iowa State in the loss with nine kills.

Freshman Brittany Dalager added eight kills and 16 digs.

Setter Sara Stribe added 16 digs on the night and had 29 assists to pace the offense.

The Cyclones return to action on Saturday when they travel to Manhattan, Kan. to meet up with the Wilcats of Kansas State.

The match is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start.