The ISU volleyball team had a surprise for Kansas State last year, which may have led to its win in three sets.

But this season, that surprise has gone by the wayside. 

In the first matchup last season between the two squads, the Cyclones surprised the Wildcats with a new scheme.

Iowa State used the 5-1 scheme exclusively in the games leading up to Kansas State, but the Cyclones shocked the Wildcats, debuting the 6-2 format. 

“It was the first time we ran the 6-2 last year,” said ISU volleyball coach Christy Johnson-Lynch. “And [Kansas State] was not expecting that.”

But when the Cyclones take on the Wildcats on Wednesday night, they won’t have the advantage of surprise. They’ve used both schemes this season and have actually used the 5-1 more than the 6-2 as of late. 

Despite the Wildcats seeing the Cyclones use both schemes, the game doesn’t rely on which one Iowa State uses, but rather the level of skill on both sides. 

“The type of system we run should not determine the outcome of the match,” said ISU setter Monique Harris. “Our play will determine the outcome of this game.”

Although the unexpected is now expected in this matchup, Iowa State still has somewhat of an advantage against Kansas State.

“[Kansas State] is typically a really good serving team when we play them in Manhattan,” Johnson-Lynch said. “But when they come to Ames, they are not up to their usual standards.”

Iowa State has defeated Kansas State at home in each of the past seven seasons. All but one of those matches have been swept by Iowa State.

The team attributes the home dominance to the crowd.

“Our crowd is always electrifying,” said senior Caitlin Nolan.

The Cyclones are entering their match against the Wildcats on the heels of a sweep defeat at the hands of Texas. Iowa State only tallied 37 kills in the loss, which was nearly 40 fewer than Iowa State’s previous game against Oklahoma.

To improve on that result, the Cyclones need to make smart attacks against the exceptional KSU defense.

Kansas State leads the Big 12 in digs and digs per set. KSU libero Kersten Kober heads the Wildcats’ defense, topping the Big 12 in individual digs with 77 and digs per set at 6.42.

But the Cyclones should compete against the Wildcats’ dig game with the duo of middle blockers Samara West and Alexis Conaway.

West ranks third on the ISU roster with 2.34 kills per set and second in the Big 12 in hitting percentage. Conaway is a game removed from a career-high 17 kills and .429 hitting percentage against Oklahoma.

Iowa State’s offense will also contend against Kansas State’s tall middle blockers, who average 6 feet 2 inches in height. Because of the difficulty level that characterized Iowa State’s recent matches, the Cyclones will be well prepared.

“We have played against Nebraska and Texas, who have tall and really good blockers,” Nolan said. “So playing [Nebraska and Texas] has helped us be prepared for Kansas State’s middle blockers.”

The No. 24 Cyclones will take on the Wildcats at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Hilton Coliseum.