Iowa State’s volleyball team earned a 3-1 victory Thursday night in Hamilton, New York, against Colgate. The win marked their second consecutive triumph and improved their overall record to 6-4 ahead of Big 12 competition.
In the first set, the Cyclones surged ahead with help from redshirt sophomore Kiersten Schmitt and redshirt junior Amiree Hendricks-Walker. Both players contributed four kills each, leading Iowa State to a commanding 25-17 win, highlighted by a 4-0 run that extended their lead to 15-8.
The second set proved more competitive. Although Iowa State initially pulled ahead with a 10-6 lead after a 7-1 run, Colgate fought back with their own 7-1 surge and secured a 25-22 win to tie the match.
Redshirt sophomore Lilly Wachholz took control in the third set, delivering six kills to push Iowa State to a 25-20 win. Schmitt sealed the set with a final kill.
Iowa State dominated the fourth and final set, maintaining the lead from the start. Seven Cyclones recorded kills in the set, showcasing the team’s depth and collective effort as they closed out the match 25-19.
Missing Key Players
The Cyclones played without two of their key starters—sophomore Nayeli Gonzalez and freshman Rachel Van Gorp. Gonzalez, who earned an AVCA Honorable Mention All-American title as a freshman, leads the team with 109 kills, averaging 3.30 kills per set. Meanwhile, Van Gorp has been a key player in defense, recording 140 digs and maintaining a .970 receive percentage.
Despite these absences, senior libero Brooke Stonestreet stepped up, leading the team with 26 digs and providing crucial defensive stability.
Balanced Offense
Colgate struggled to counter Iowa State’s balanced attack, with three Cyclones recording over 10 kills. Wachholz led with 15, followed by junior Maya Duckworth with 13, and Schmitt with 12.
The Cyclones’ offensive efficiency was a key factor, as they hit at a .341 rate—significantly higher than their previous performance in South Dakota. Iowa State’s improved attack kept Colgate at a .178 hitting percentage. The team’s offensive adjustments, focusing on taking advantage of scoring opportunities, paid off with a total of 62 kills.
Minimizing Errors
Head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch has consistently emphasized the importance of limiting errors, and her team responded well after a weekend in South Dakota where they committed 20 or more attack errors in all three matches. Against Colgate, Iowa State reduced their attack errors to 16 and committed just two block errors, with no ball-handling mistakes.
This level of efficiency will be crucial as the Cyclones prepare for their next match against an undefeated Syracuse team. The focus on ball control and limiting mistakes will be key if Iowa State hopes to maintain its winning momentum.
Looking Ahead
This was the first-ever meeting between Iowa State and Colgate, with the Cyclones now holding a 1-0 lead in the all-time series. Iowa State will face Syracuse next, with the match scheduled for noon on Saturday in Syracuse, New York.
