Netters lose to No. 1 Huskers
October 30, 1995
The No. 1 ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers weren’t very hospitable to the visiting Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday as the volleyball giants stomped the ISU netters in three games.
The two teams were battling for the lead in the Big Eight Conference, but Nebraska came out on top, 15-3, 15-5 and 15-9.
ISU assistant coach Sarah Lewis said the Cyclone netters didn’t play well against Nebraska, but the Cornhuskers were a very tough opponent.
“I don’t think we played as well as we’d hoped to, but Nebraska is just so tough at home,” Lewis said.
“They are legitimately the number one team in the nation.”
After this loss, ISU stands at the second spot in the conference with a record of 6-2, 15-8 overall and still searching for a win against the volleyball giant.
Earlier this season, the cardinal and gold took on Nebraska in Hilton Coliseum in hopes of snapping the Huskers’ winning streak, which started Aug. 26, but failed with the rest of the teams in the nation.
The Cyclones were one of only four teams in the nation to score in the double-digits against the powerhouse in their first meeting, however.
Although the Cyclones were swept in three games for a second time this year by Nebraska, several players were solid for ISU.
Steph McCannon, who leads the Big Eight in digs this season, holds the career mark for digs in the conference and is fourth in the nation with a 4.70 average, racked up nine digs against Nebraska. She also led the team in kills with 10.
Freshman Colleen Henican pounded six kills in nine attempts for a .667 swinging percentage and contributed seven digs to the Cyclone defensive efforts.
Iowa State was also fighting for pride against the Cornhuskers. ISU’s record against Nebraska is 0-46 over the last 18 years.
The next time the two teams will meet up will most likely be in the Big Eight Tournament. ISU will be ready, Lewis said.
“Our goal is to push them to five games. We need to challenge them. We’ll give them a real dog fight,” she said.
“We never step on the floor intimidated against any of our opponents.”
ISU next travels to Oklahoma to take on the Sooners Wednesday and then returns to the familiar Physical Education Building this weekend for a doubleheader Friday and Saturday, both at 7:30 p.m.