ISU volleyball makes RPI list at No. 24

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Emily Blobaum/Iowa State Daily

The Cyclones celebrate a point during their game against Nebraska. Iowa State lost to the number 4 team 3-1.

Brian Mozey

After a win at Oklahoma and a loss at Texas this past week, Iowa State slid its way into the NCAA Volleyball RPI Top-25 list. The Cyclones are ranked No. 24 on the list in between Ohio and Marquette. 

The players seemed surprised at Monday’s practice when they were told the news of making the top-25. They said they were excited to make the list and that they know that should be the expectation every week. 

“I think we’re a top-25 [team] and can hang with top teams like Nebraska and Texas,” said outside hitter Ciara Capezio. “I honestly think we can play with all of those teams.”

The last time Iowa State was ranked in the top-25 was Aug. 29. The Cyclones were ranked No. 21 in the Cyclone Invitational in late August, but after losing to Marquette in three sets, the team lost its spot on the list. 

Iowa State was ranked No. 21 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association preseason poll for the 2015-16 season, the first time it was ranked since the 2013-14 season. The Cyclones’ preseason ranking marked just the sixth time in program history — all under head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch — that the Cyclones were ranked in the AVCA poll.

And while they aren’t ranked in the ACVA poll quite yet, the team is still happy making the RPI top-25.

“I’m not surprised we were ranked because we have a great team, great players and great athletes,” said Monique Harris, sophomore setter and defensive specialist. “It was a matter of time that people would notice.”

The Cyclones will have the opportunity to prove they belong in the RPI top-25 this week with a home match against Kansas State on Wednesday and an away match against undefeated Kansas on Saturday.