The 1998 Cyclone volleyball team and head coach Kerry Miller see their first home action of the season on Friday and Saturday at the Iowa State Invitational.

Miller’s Cyclones have posted a 1-2 record so far this season, defeating Alaska-Fairbanks and falling to Duke and UNLV at the Nanook Classic tournament in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Senior middle blocker Virginia Hoss and Junior setter Sarah Pieper were impressive, as were a number of unproven young players like Nanette Allen, Melissa Duffield and Stacy Nicks and veteran setter Julie McGrath.

The Cyclones open the tournament Friday afternoon at 1 P.M. against the University of Indiana-Purdue, a traditionally tough Division 2 school.

Friday evening at 7:30 P.M., the Cyclones host the University of Montana.

On Saturday, Iowa State plays at 3:00 P.M. and 7:30 P.M., against Chicago State University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, respectively.

Of the four teams scheduled to face ISU, Montana should provide the greatest challenge.

The Lady Griz are coming off a tough 7-23 season, but appear to be undergoing a steady rebuilding process through Head Coach Dick Scott.

Paige Merritt is the lone senior on the Montana team and has been impressive so far in tournament play.

After overcoming a number of untimely injuries the last few seasons, Merritt led the Lady Griz to their first victory of the season at the Oregon State Tournament, posting 10, 17, 17, and 14 kills in the four tournament games.

Also impressive so far for Montana are Junior Katie Almquist and Sophomore Kodi Taylor, both of whom have emerged early in the season as team leaders.

The Cyclones should not be significantly outmatched by anyone in this weekend’s tournament and, playing on their home court, will be among the favorites for the tournament title.