MINNEAPOLIS – The Iowa State (17-12) season came to an end in the first round of the NCAA Volleyball Championships as the Cyclones fell to No. 15 Creighton (25-5) 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-19) Friday night at Maturi Pavilion.
Iowa State struggled in serve and pass, conceding seven aces to the Bluejays, while only recording two of its own. In defeat, Iowa State was led by senior Josie Herbst in her final match as a Cyclone, mothing nine kills. Michal Schuler had nine kills and nine digs.
Set One: Creighton 25 Iowa State 22
While the Cyclone attack got off to a strong start, the serve struggled, committing three service errors. The Bluejays were able to take advantage, going on a 5-0 run to move ahead 9-6. The Cyclones were able to battle back ahead at 14-13 on a block from Annie Hatch and Candelaria Herrera, but a strong serving run by Jaela Zimmerman moved Creighton back ahead 18-14. The Jays got ahead 21-15 before the Cyclones were able to rally back within two, but it was too late. Despite holding CU to .188 hitting, ISU committed five service errors to hinder its progress. Annika Welty killed to give Creighton the first 25-22.
Set Two: Creighton 25 Iowa State 15
Brooke Andersen’s ace helped power ISU to a 3-0 lead in the set. Zimmerman’s serve again evaporated an ISU lead, as she served up a 9-0 run to move the Jays ahead 14-7. The Creighton attack dominated proceedings, hitting .467 as a team in the set to go with three aces and 3.0 total blocks. The Jays moved ahead 2-0 in the match when Naomi Hickman killed at 25-15.
Set Three: Creighton 25 Iowa State 19
Again, the Cyclone pass struggled, conceding two aces as the Jays went on a 6-0 run right off the bat to move ahead 7-2. The Creighton offense continued to dominate proceedings, getting nine kills in its first 11 points of the set at .571 hitting. A 4-0 serving run by Annie Hatch brought ISU back within two at 11-9, but the Jays were able to restore their order with a 6-1 run to make it 17-10. Creighton completed the sweep by hitting .452 for the set, with Zimmerman getting her 10th kill of the night at 25-19.
The 2019 season is over for Iowa State.
