Cyclones Fall to No. 1 Nebraska, 3-0

AMES, Iowa - No. 1 Nebraska hit .365 as a team and used 14 kills from Sarah Pavan to defeat Iowa State, 3-0 (30-24, 30-23, 30-13), on Saturday afternoon at Hilton Coliseum in front of a season-high 1,977 fans.

With the loss, Iowa State falls to .500 for the first time this season, with a record of 13-13 overall and 6-9 in Big 12 play. The Huskers improve to 23-0 overall and 14-0 in conference action.

"I thought we played them much tougher this time around," said ISU head coach Christy Johnson. "We were much better statistically and I am pleased that we are becoming a better team. That is very important for us."

The Cyclones came into the first game firing as they went ahead 11-8. Nebraska battled back and took the lead for good behind a Pavan kill that made it 14-13 in favor of the visitors. ISU was unable to put together any runs and Nebraska cruised to a 30-24 first game win.

The teams battled back-and-forth in the second game before the Huskers opened up a 10-9 lead on a service error by the Cyclones. ISU got within one at 14-13 after a Meghan Ferrie kill but the Huskers broke serve with a kill from Melissa Elmer. NU would score four of the next five points and hold on for a 30-23 win.

The third game was all Nebraska as the nation's top-ranked team hit .400 en route to its eighth straight sweep. Jennifer Saleaumua led the way for Nebraska, recording five kills on eight game three attempts.

The Cyclones were led by Katie Jessen, who pounded out nine kills and dug seven balls in the loss. Jessica Klein had a solo block and three block assists to go along with eight kills.

In addition to Pavan, Christina Houghtelling reached double-figures with 10 kills on 17 attempts. Saleaumua had 11 digs to lead the way defensively for the Huskers.

ISU will take the week off before heading to Texas for a match with No.14 Longhorns. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

Meghan Ferrie

Meghan Ferrie

Katie Jessen

Katie Jessen

Jessica Klein

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Iowa State University Athletics