AMES – Iowa State hosted Iowa in the 56th rendition of the Cy-Hawk volleyball game. The Cyclones won last year and have been the aggressor in the series recently.
That held true again as the Cyclones took down the Hawkeyes in four sets. For the second straight match, Iowa State found itself up two sets, but this time, the job was finished with a win. (25-10, 25-19, 19-25, 25-18)
Set one was a disaster from Iowa. The Hawkeyes shot themselves in the foot all set, and Iowa State made sure not to miss any opportunity to take advantage. Strong play from junior Morgan Brandt and sophomore Nayeli Gonzalez headlined throughout the entire match.
Set two was more or less the same for the Cyclones. They continued to capitalize on weak hits and errors from the Hawkeyes. Brandt finished set two with 21 assists, continuously feeding Gonzalez.
“We work really hard on the court for our connection, and we also work hard off the court emotionally, and just being good friends,” Gonzalez said. “I’m gonna get Morgan, and Morgan’s going to get me.”
Set three was much more impressive for the Hawkeyes. They made adjustments that caused problems for the Cyclones at the net. A big block from Iowa’s Hannah Whittingstall shut down any chance at a comeback in this set.
The Cyclones got back to their game in set four. Gonzalez set the tone early with multiple booming kills. Lilly Wachholz was a stone wall on the front line. She garnered two blocks during critical points in this set.
The night began with Brandt’s strong play, and she finished it with a kill to take down the Hawkeyes again.
Brandt started the night 100 assists away from 2,000 for her career. She spoke on what it’s like to be so close to such an accomplishment.
“I don’t really think of it, but it is really cool,” Brandt said. “I couldn’t do it without the amazing hitters that put the ball away night after night.”
Iowa State head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch spoke on what it has been like being around Brandt during her collegiate career.
“She’s incredible, she’s an amazing human being, she is beloved by everybody,” said Johnson-Lynch, “She’s working hard and she’s a great competitor. Just a joy to coach.”
Junior Maya Duckworth and redshirt sophomore Wachholz both had strong nights with 10 and eight kills, respectively.
Iowa State continues their season this weekend in the South Dakota Classic, where the Cyclones will face UTEP, South Dakota and Montana State.
Iowa State now leads the Cy-Hawk series 5-0 after winning football Saturday and now volleyball Wednesday. The next Cy-Hawk game will be women’s soccer on Sunday in Ames.
