The ISU volleyball team finished the regular season on a hot streak by winning five of its last six matches, including the last two by way of sweeps. The Cyclones showed no signs that they have cooled off on Dec. 5, as they took down the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in straight sets (25-13, 25-22, 26-24) in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Huff Hall in Champaign, Ill.

Though Iowa State opened with a dominant first frame that was aided by an early 6-0 run, Western Kentucky continued fighting. After coming close to winning the second stanza, the Hilltoppers came even closer in the third set.

Western Kentucky held a lead as late as 23-21, but Iowa State’s fortunes began to turn by way of WKU service and attack errors. The Cyclones rallied to take five of the next six points to finish off the sweep.

The ISU volleyball team returns to action at 7:00 p.m. on Dec. 6 at Huff Hall to face the winner of No. 9 overall seed and host-team Illinois vs. Murray State.