Despite missing the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2005, Iowa State’s season isn’t over just yet.

Shortly after the NCAA tournament field was announced Sunday night, the Cyclones received an invite to compete in the National Invitational Volleyball Championship. Iowa State will host Drake in the opening round on Thursday night at Hilton Coliseum.

With four straight wins to end the season and a 16-13 record overall, the Cyclones impressed enough to earn the right to play at home for the first two rounds of the tournament. Should Iowa State win, it will play the winner of Bradley vs. Bowling Green on Friday.

The NIVC, which essentially serves as volleyball’s version of the NIT, is currently in the second year of a reboot after previously existing from 1989-95. Last year, Ole Miss, whom Iowa State defeated earlier this season, won the tournament title over Texas Tech.

First serve from Hilton Coliseum will be at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.