The Cyclone volleyball team hosted two ranked conference foes this weekend and dropped both matches in straight sets.

The losses leave Iowa State still looking for its first conference win.

The Cyclones first faced 13th-ranked Texas on Friday at Hilton Coliseum and lost 15-8, 15-3, 15-12. The competition did not get any easier as the Cyclones challenged 14th-ranked Texas A&M on Saturday at Hilton. ISU fell to the Aggies 15-6, 15-6, 15-3.

Coach Jackie Nunez said she views the weekend with mixed reactions. She said the team played competitively against Texas on Friday, but struggled in the loss to Texas A&M.

Despite seeing some positives each night, Nunez said, “You’re certainly never happy with losses.”

Against Texas, outside hitters Colleen Henican and Andrea Thul led the Cyclone offense. Henican led all players in kills with 15 and Thul recorded 11. Freshman Stacy Nicks played in all three games and added seven kills.

Freshman Sara Walters and junior Julie McGrath shared the setting duties. Walters set 17 assists while McGrath set 20.

Henican led the team in digs with 10. Henican’s Friday performance marked the 15th time this season that she has recorded double digits in both kills and digs.

McGrath and Thul received six digs each. Freshman Jennifer Collins served two aces.

The Longhorns were led by Spencer native Kate Austin, who nailed 12 kills. Texas smashed the ball for a .303 hitting percentage for the match.

In the loss to A&M, Nunez said the team struggled in nearly every aspect.

“We could not execute well at all,” she said.

Nunez said the team’s only strengths on Saturday came from outside hitters Henican and Thul.

Henican again led the way with 16 kills and a .256 hitting percentage. Thul followed with 13 successful smashes.

McGrath led the team in assists with 34 and digs with seven. Henican scooped up six digs and Thul added five.

Texas A&M was led by Stacy Sykora, who pounded 13 kills. The Aggies hit .434 for the night.

Nunez said the team has lost recently because different aspects of the game have faltered at different times. To correct the problem, the team just needs to get back to the basics of “skill development” during practice, she said.

“We’re just striving to improve. We still have to put it all together,” she said.

Although the conference schedule has been grueling, it should prove to to the team’s advantage now.

“We should be full prepared for high level of competition,” Nunez said.

Currently the Cyclones stand at 9-10 overall and 0-6 in the Big 12. ISU will be tested again this weekend when Kansas State and Kansas come to town. Both games begin at 7:30 p.m. at Hilton Coliseum.

Nunez said she and the team are confident heading into this weekend. “[We have] high expectations to pick up one or two of our first conference wins,” she said.