After a loss to No. 5 Texas on Saturday, a shot at a Big 12 title this season is all but out of reach for ISU volleyball.

That realization is not taking away any focus from ISU volleyball coach Christy Johnson-Lynch and the Cyclones, but it instead may be enhancing it.

Although a conference title is likely no longer in the picture, the NCAA Tournament remains a focal point for the Cyclones moving forward. Four matches remain on Iowa State’s schedule before the postseason, and Johnson-Lynch is emphasizing the importance of four well-played contests.

“I think we know how important [these matches] are,” Johnson-Lynch said. “I think we’ll be focused on getting better, playing well on the road and putting ourselves in the best position for NCAAs.”

The final stretch of the regular season will begin in Manhattan, Kan., on the road against Kansas State.

Iowa State (16-8, 9-4 Big 12) will square off in a rematch against Kansas State (16-8, 8-4 Big 12) on Wednesday — the first of Iowa State’s final three conferences matches. The Cyclones claimed the first matchup between the two teams, sweeping the Wildcats in three sets at Hilton Coliseum.

Defense was the theme in the match in Ames, and defense is expected to rule the rematch as well. Kansas State leads the Big 12 in digs per set at 16.84 with Iowa State following closely behind at 16.48. Both teams are below average in offensive efficiency, hitting under .240 on the season.

“I think defense will be huge,” said redshirt junior Morgan Kuhrt. “[Kansas State] is a good defensive team. They’re pretty scrappy, so I think we have to have a relentless pursuit and go after every ball.”

Johnson-Lynch is focusing on sharpening the Cyclones’ offense to gain an advantage, as strong defense is a commonality between the two opponents. Iowa State struggled offensively with tempo and range against Texas, so the Cyclones will focus on throwing a variety of offensive attacks at Kansas State’s stingy defense. 

And as Johnson-Lynch has reiterated all season, good offense begins with good passing. Passing will be especially key at Kansas State’s home stadium, Ahearn Field House. The Cyclones have struggled with passing at Ahearn in the past, Johnson-Lynch said, crediting the struggle to the tough serving of the Wildcats.

Senior Caitlin Nolan, however, had a different explanation.

“I think it’s hard to play [at Ahearn Field House] because the balls float really well,” Nolan said. “So I think we need to come in really focused on our serve and pass.”

If anyone knows the importance and difficulty of getting a win at Kansas State, it’s Nolan. In her four years at Iowa State, Nolan has yet to taste victory on the road against the Wildcats, and breaking that streak Wednesday isn’t likely to come easy.

Kansas State is not only just a half game behind Iowa State in the Big 12 standings but also will enter Wednesday’s match on a five-game winning streak. The Wildcats have lost just one Big 12 match at home all season, a loss to Texas on Oct. 21.

Although Iowa State swept Kansas State in the first match, the circumstances may not be as conducive to the Cyclones repeating their success Wednesday.

“[Kansas State] is usually a pretty tough place to play,” Kuhrt said. “They have a good crowd and a good student section. It can get pretty loud, but I think it’s a good opportunity for us and a good way for us to prepare.”