Iowa State volleyball closed out its spring season on Friday with its second tie in four matches, splitting four sets evenly with the Illinois Fighting Illini in Bettendorf, Iowa.

It was the second time this spring that the Cyclones faced an opponent that finished the season ranked inside the top-20, as Illinois finished 17th in the American Volleyball Coaches Association final poll.

Additionally, the Illini returned nearly its entire starting lineup from last year’s Sweet 16 team, including All-American outside hitters Ali Bastianelli and Jordyn Poulter.

The first set of the game went the way of the Cyclones, as ISU took the set 25-20 after previously taking a five point lead at 20-15.

The second set looked like it would go the same way for much of the time, as Iowa State pushed its lead to as high as an eight-point 14-6 lead. Then, with Iowa State leading 20-14, Illinois stormed back and took an extended set by a score of 28-26 to tie the match at one.

The third set saw a similar beginning as the second, but with a different ending. After jumping out to yet another eight point lead at 20-12, ISU ensured that the Illini didn’t pull a similar comeback after Illinois cut the lead to five at 22-17. The Cyclones eventually took the set 25-19 to give themselves a 2-1 advantage in the match.

Illinois got a little bit of revenge, however, by salvaging a tie and taking the final of four set match. This time, Illinois initially controlled things and took an 18-12 over midway through the set.

The Cyclones then went on a 7-0 run that put them in position to take their second match in as many weeks against a Big Ten opponent.

After taking a 19-18 lead, however, Illinois tightened up and eventually finished the match with a 5-0 run, giving the Illini a 25-21 victory in the set.

The Cyclones will now head into their summer portion of their offseason before opening the regular season on August 24, 2018. The schedule for the season is currently set to be released in June.