Prior to Saturday, Iowa State hadn’t played in more than three sets.

After defeating Dayton on Friday, the Cyclones turned around on Saturday, squaring off against Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh challenged Iowa State, sending the match to five sets, but Iowa State edged them out (25-16, 25-19, 16-25, 19-25, 21-19).

In the first set, the Cyclones and Panthers traded points early on, resulting in a 10-10 tie.

Iowa State grabbed control of the set from that point on. Seniors Alexis Conaway and Samara West rallied the Cyclones and Iowa State outscored Pittsburgh 15-6 throughout the rest of the set.

The Cyclones maintained a comfortable lead during most of the second set until Iowa State’s lead was cut to 21-19 late in the set.

Iowa State benefitted from three straight attack errors by Pittsburgh, allowing the Cyclones to take the second set, 25-19.

Iowa State finally stumbled in the third set after both teams had streaky starts.

After a 2-2 tie, the Cyclones scored three straight points. The Panthers answered with four straight points. Iowa State answered with three straight points, followed by four Pittsburgh points.

Down 10-8, the Cyclones responded with two points to tie it up, but Pittsburgh rattled off six straight points. The 16-10 deficit proved to be too much for Iowa State, earning Pittsburgh a set win.

Pittsburgh’s redshirt sophomore hitter Stephanie Williams owned the fourth set. Williams had success in the match, compiling 12 kills.

Pittsburgh presented a problem for Iowa State and the Panthers had all the momentum heading into the final set.

Pittsburgh was on the verge of victory, leading 14-13. However, Iowa State rebounded and took a 15-14 lead.

Pittsburgh put Iowa State back on the ropes, grabbing a 16-15 lead. The two teams jostled for the lead. Eventually, the score was knotted up at 19.

Junior hitter Jess Schaben hammered down a kill. Pittsburgh followed with an attack error, giving Iowa State the match.