The Cyclone volleyball team kicked off the regular season on Friday, hosting Kent State. Iowa State won its season opener 3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 25-18).

Early on in the first set, Iowa State led 6-4. Freshman setter Piper Mauck entered in an important situation. Mauck answered the call with a quality serve, showcasing her poise.

The Cyclones and the Golden Flashes traded shots throughout the set. Mid-way through the set, Iowa State led 8-7.

Senior setter Monique Harris jolted the Cyclones, allowing Iowa State to jump out to 20-12 advantage.

Ultimately, Iowa State ran away with the first set, courtesy of a pair of Kent State service errors.

In set two, the Cyclones lagged behind early on. Iowa State dug itself in a hole, dropping the first three points.

Head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch rallied her team. The Cyclones and Golden Flashes tied the score 10 times throughout the set.

Down 22-20, Iowa State pulled itself together, knotting the score up at 22. Seniors Alexis Conaway and Monique Harris took control of the set.

The duo linked up for two straight points, pushing the Cyclone lead to two. Samara West cleaned up the set, winning the set point.

The final set was similar to the previous one. Kent State and Iowa State battled back-and-forth until the end.

The set was tied at six, when the Cyclones started to inch away. Iowa State methodically built an 18-14 lead.

The Golden Flashes answered with a two-point run, cutting the lead to two. After adjustments from Johnson-Lynch, the Cyclones and Golden Flashes were back to even.

Eventually, Iowa State would edge out Kent State, resulting in the Cyclones winning game one of the Cyclone Invitational.