The following is a press release courtesy of Iowa State athletics communications.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Iowa State started out the 2014 Diet Coke Classic with a sweep of Milwaukee 25-20, 25-21, 25-22 Friday afternoon at the Sports Pavilion. The win improved ISU to 4-2 on the season, while the Panthers are now 4-4.
Turning Point of the Match
The first set was a fairly even affair at the start, with both teams enjoying small leads and ties. With Milwaukee ahead 10-8, Iowa State pulled off four consecutive points via strong serving from Suzanne Horner and the block, which was strong again tonight with 13.0 total blocks. Iowa State got its lead back and did not relinquish it for the rest of the first set.
The third set looked to be Iowa State’s fairly easily, but the Panthers were able to battle back and eventually earn a couple of leads. With the match tied 20-20, the Cyclones ran off an important 3-0 run via a kill from Victoria Hurtt and a solo block by Alexis Conaway to get some breathing room in the decisive set.
Cyclone Match Ball Goes to…
Victoria Hurtt. The senior outside hitter was a threat throughout the entire match, leading the Cyclones with 11 kills at a .385 hitting percentage. The double-figure kill effort marked the 40th time in her Iowa State career that Hurtt recorded at least 10 kills. Hurtt was also vital to Iowa State’s block, recording a solo block and a block assist.
Match Notes
*As a team, Iowa State recorded 13.0 total blocks, marking the second consecutive match the Cyclones have had at least 10.0 total blocks (10.0 total blocks vs. Northern Illinois). The last time ISU had back-to-back matches with at least 10.0 total blocks was in 20011 against Oklahoma (10.5) and Baylor (13.0).
*Caitlin Nolan recorded 14 digs, marking the fifth time this season and 26th in her career she has had at least 10 digs.
*Victoria Hurtt finished the match with 11 kills, marking the 40th time in her career that she has recorded at least 10 kills.
*Ciara Capezio posted her first service ace of the season. Capezio ranked third in the Big 12 last season in service aces.
*Suzanne Horner recorded a double-double with 30 assists and a season-high 12 digs. It was the second double-double of her Iowa State career.
On Deck
Iowa State will play two matches tomorrow at the Diet Coke Classic. The Cyclones will start the day with Tulsa at noon and follow that up with No. 19 Minnesota at 7 p.m. inside the Sports Pavilion.up with No. 19 Minnesota at 7 p.m. inside the Sports Pavilion.
