The ISU volleyball team fell in four sets on the road Oct. 8 to Big 12 foe Kansas State (25-23, 25-12, 23-25, 25-14).

The Cyclones (8-6, 1-3 Big 12), who have developed a reputation for coming out flat this season, got off to a hot start, jumping out to a 12-8 lead while hitting .750. The Wildcats (16-2, 3-1 Big 12) clawed back to take a 15-14 lead and force an Iowa State timeout.

Iowa State did not go away, however, as libero Caitlin Nolan served up an ace to bring the Cyclones and Wildcats even at 17-all. Though Kansas State began to pull away, defensive specialist Branen Berta served up an ace or her own to bring Iowa State within two and force a KSU timeout.

Kansas State was able to pull away for good after the timeout to take set one, 25-23.

The second set played out very differently, much to Iowa State’s chagrin.

The Cyclones did not hold a lead at all in frame two and only hung around for a few points. With the score tied at 4 apiece, the Wildcats tore off a 6-0 run to take a strong lead and never look back.

With Kansas State leading 18-10, ISU volunteer assistant coach Joe Lynch received a yellow card from the referees. According to an ISU athletic department live blog of the match, Lynch slammed his clipboard on the ground in frustration after a non-call for four touches by the Wildcats.

Lynch’s display of emotion would not prove to be an emotional rallying point, as Kansas State took the set with ease, 25-12.

After the break and with the match on the line, Iowa State finally broke through.

Down 4-8 early in the set, the Cyclones fought back to a tie at 13-all. The teams battled over the next 18 points, each taking nine and resulting in another late tie. This time Iowa State was able to close it out the frame, 25-23.

Set three would be all Iowa State could muster. Kansas State pulled away early to take the set 25-14 and the match, 3-1.

The ISU volleyball team returns to the court to host Oklahoma on Sunday. First serve is set for 1:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Hilton Coliseum.