The 1998 Iowa State volleyball team continued to struggle this past week, dropping consecutive three-game matches to Missouri and Kansas State.

The Cyclones, winless so far in conference play, are still looking for their first Big 12 single-game victory, having been defeated in straight games in all six contests.

Last Wednesday night against Missouri, the Cyclones played arguably their best volleyball of the season, hanging with the Tigers for much of the contest.

Iowa State actually outplayed Missouri for the second half of each game but couldn’t overcome early leads that spotted its opposition.

After falling 15-9 in a well-played opening game, the Cyclones couldn’t recover in game two and were soundly beaten, 15-6.

The team showed heart in the final game, though, fighting from an early deficit to tie the score at 13 before giving up the final two points, 15-13.

Sophomore Stacy Nicks led the offense with 13 kills and a solid .308 hitting percentage.

Freshman Nanette Allen was not far behind with 10 kills. Allen also helped the defensive cause with seven digs.

Senior Julie McGrath started at the setter position and contributed 35 assists and six digs on the night.

The lack of size up front for Iowa State continued to show as it could muster only four blocks in the three games.

On Friday against the Wildcats, Iowa State was less impressive.

After suffering devastating 15-2 and 15-1 losses in the first two games, the Cyclones bounced back in the final set to save a little dignity, eventually losing 15-10.

Kansas State hit .458 from the floor and was led by Val Wieck and Dawn Cady with 15 and 17 kills, respectively. Wieck hit an amazing .789 on the night and Cady hit .640.

Iowa State was led by Nicks, McGrath and senior Virginia Hoss.

Stacy led the team with five digs and registered five kills. Of the five blocks the Cyclones managed on the night, Nicks contributed three on her own and assisted on a fourth.

McGrath again led the Cyclones in assists with 25 and converted five of seven attacks for a .714 hitting percentage.

Hoss led the offense with nine kills and also tied for second on the squad in digs with four.

Iowa State is back in action this weekend with matches at Kansas and Oklahoma.