Congratulations are in order to the Iowa State volleyball team. The team has been invited for the first time to play in the NCAA Tournament.

The Cyclones, with a 21-11 record, are playing the best volleyball that the university has ever seen. Head Coach Jackie Nunez has created a winning atmosphere here in just three short years on the job, as the tournament invitation indicates.

While other athletic programs here are just beginning the turn-around process, Nunez has made ISU synonymous with quality volleyball. And in a conference with so many traditional volleyball powers, it has been enjoyable to watch the development of Nunez’ success.

More exciting was the NCAA’s recent announcement that ISU will also host its first-round match Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in Hilton Coliseum against the University of Idaho. If the Cyclones win Wednesday, they’ll travel to South Bend, Ind., to take on highly-regarded Notre Dame.

It’s a tribute to the university that the volleyball team has advanced this far. Student support at Wednesday’s match is a must, so take a study break and head to Hilton.