After defeating Gonzaga in four sets earlier in the day, Cyclone volleyball capped off the Friday portion of the Montana Invitational by sweeping host Montana to go 2-0 on the day.

Coach Christy Johnson-Lynch mentioned during the week that she planned to rotate players and use the team’s depth during the trip, and that plan came to fruition as reserve sophomore Meegan Hart got the nod at middle blocker and reserve freshman Jenna Brandt got her first career start at setter.

Hart got off to fast start for Iowa State with five kills, which helped propel the Cyclones to in a convincing set win. Like their match against the Zags, the Cyclones jumped out to a fast start and took the set 25-14.

The second set saw Montana jump out to a 7-2 lead, which grew to a 15-8 deficit until the Cyclones staged a 6-0 run to bring the set back to within one point. After a 21-21 tie, ISU went on another run, this time 4-0, to win the set 25-21.

The third set saw Iowa State jump out to an early five point lead, but the Grizzlies staged their own comeback to keep the game within a point. The Cyclones held off Montana for the rest of the set, however, and took the match with a 25-22 set win.

Leading the way for the Cyclones was Hart with a .467 hit percentage and nine kills, alongside Hannah Bailey, who had 10 kills and a .368 hit percentage in extended playing time while freshman starter Eleanor Holthaus got some rest. Brandt, meanwhile, ended the match with 37 assists.

The Cyclones will play their final game of the Montana Invitational Saturday at noon against No. 22 Utah.