The Iowa State volleyball team came from behind for a big win against the Kansas State Wildcats Wednesday night in Manhattan to improve their overall record to 11-5.

The Wildcats, ranked 26th in the polls after a big win against Colorado, took the first two matches 5-15 and 9-15 before the Cyclones caught fire and took the next three games 15-5, 16-14 and 15-12 to post their second conference win of the season.

Head Coach Jackie Nunez was pleased with her team’s overall performance. She was also happy the team was able to come back so soundly in game three.

“I was thrilled that the team came back in three. We were ahead 6-2 in the second game before losing it, but the team came out in the third match and totally dominated,” Nunez said.

The Cyclones took game four and five in two close calls and according to Nunez, those two games and the whole match in particular were very emotional and very tough.

“Kansas State was a critical match. I knew it would be tough. The last two games were hard fought and emotional. I was pleased with the outcome,” Nunez said.

The Cyclones got solid performances from Steph McCannon and Kirsten Hugdahl, who lead the team in kills and digs, and Rachelle Frese and Dana Mucha with hits and blocks. Unfortunately, the Cyclones lost Colleen Henican when she injured a finger in the first game of the match.

Nunez credits part of the team’s win to experience and the fact that the Cyclones had a tough September schedule.

“Kansas State had played only one other team to five games and we played a few more, so I think our schedule really helped us. We had the advantage and the experience and we played at a higher caliber,” Nunez said. “I really feel we’re a better team than Kansas State and I am really thrilled that we beat them on the road. I’m just glad we play them in our house next time.”

Nunez said she felt that the win against Kansas St. was a big win for the Big Eight Conference and will really help her team down the road to get into the NCAA tournaments.

The Cyclones’ next opponent will be the No. 1 Nebraska Cornhuskers, which Nunez said is going to be a very challenging game.

“Nebraska is very good and it will be a tough game. My goal is to push them to five games and that we find ways to win,” she said. “We usually play well against Nebraska. If we execute well and play cohesively, I think we will do very well.”

The Iowa State-Nebraska match starts at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday in Hilton Coliseum.