When the volleyball team takes the court tonight vs. Kansas, they’ll be prepared for almost anything the Jayhawks throw their way.

Because of the postponements of two matches last week, as a result of the attacks on America, the team has had a week and a half to prepare for Kansas.

Head volleyball coach Linda Crum said this could have a positive effect on the team come game time.

“In some ways the break has been good,” Crum said. “It was good physically for them (the team) to get refreshed, and we’ve had maybe a little more time than we usually do to prepare.”

Sophomore middle blocker Steph Sunkten agreed.

“It was a long week last week, but I think it’s going to help us in the long run,” she said. “It gave us a break to kind of evaluate where we were from our first game and to get ready for the Big 12.”

Tonight’s match will be the first Big 12 Conference matchup for both teams.

The Cyclones come into the match with a 3-2 record while Kansas is 9-0.

Crum said the Cyclones will have to be ready if they want to come away with a win.

“Kansas is definitely a team that’s solid,” Crum said. You have to go in ready to play them.

I think our kids are ready to do that. They’ve made the commitment that we need to have a successful team and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to get the win whether it’s in three games or five.”

Sophomore middle blocker Julie Mitchell said the extra time has allowed Iowa State to familiarize themselves with the Jayhawks.

“We know that they have fairly strong outside hitters, and we really need to shut them down. They also like to spread the ball out a lot, out to both antennas, so we’re really going to have to put a good block up.”

Mitchell said that by tonight’s game, the team will be ready to go.

“We’ve had a really good week of practice,” she said. “Everyone’s been working really hard, communicating really well. We have a lot of positive energy out there, and I think that’s really going to help us against Kansas.

“That’s what we’re going to need to win.”