Three Big Takeaways: Iowa State shows flashes of brilliance in exhibition

In a tightly contested match, Iowa State took down Missouri in 5 units to cap off the preseason.

Iowa State traded units with Missouri, clinching the match with a rating of 15-10 within the fifth set. The match was a possibility for Iowa State to observe completely different roster rotations and make last-minute changes headed into the common season. 

With a troublesome highway schedule to kick off the season, the Cyclones will look to maintain the momentum rolling as they put together for the Rumble within the Rockies occasion.

Again-and-forth match

The match appeared precarious for Iowa State at instances. The units have been tightly contested, and the Cyclones discovered themselves having to battle again from behind a number of instances. 

Iowa State fell to an early deficit within the first set however fought again to retake the lead. A robust defensive effort helped shut down Missouri and offered Iowa State with a lead of its personal. Iowa State shut down a comeback from the Tigers and captured the primary set 25-21. 

Iowa State dropped the following set, failing to get previous Mizzou’s wall of blockers. Senior Eleanor Holthaus and freshman Maya Duckworth saved the set aggressive, however in the end Iowa State fell quick. 

The Cyclones dominated the third set however fell behind early within the fourth. Iowa State discovered themselves combating to get again into the set once more however fell quick at 24-26. 

Within the fifth set, the Cyclones confronted an early deficit of 3-6 however got here again to tie the rating 9-9. With a heavy rotation of gamers, Iowa State discovered an offensive groove by way of senior Jaden Newsome, who racked up 27 assists, and Duckworth, who was a continuing scoring risk. 

The Cyclones clinched the tightly contested last set 15-10 and received the match. 

Duckworth’s dominance

Duckworth had a commanding debut efficiency in her first match in entrance of a house crowd. She earned 17 kills and 9 digs, contributing closely to Iowa State’s attacking energy. 

“I got here into [the match] considering ‘it’s simply volleyball, I’ve accomplished this my complete life, like, simply loosen up and have enjoyable,’” Duckworth mentioned. She took over the second set, holding Iowa State aggressive in a hard-fought battle to attain over Missouri’s stout protection. 

Duckworth continued her stellar efficiency all through the match. Not solely did she lead the workforce in assault makes an attempt, however her 9 digs helped forestall Missouri from taking on units. 

With a powerful debut, Duckworth can construct off her efficiency and turn into a standout on Iowa State’s roster. Her potential to seek out kills mixed with different key offensive items, like Newsome and senior Solei Thomas, will assist the offense leap ahead.

Outlook for the beginning of the season

Whereas the exhibition match offered a have a look at a younger Iowa State workforce, the principle focus for the Cyclones was to make last-minute changes with the preseason coming to an in depth. Trying ahead, Iowa State seems to solidify a extra targeted rotation of gamers. 

“We have now 20 individuals on our roster, and all people’s good,” head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch mentioned. “So it takes time to, type of, determine the most effective combo of individuals and the most effective lineup.”

The lineup was very fluid in opposition to Missouri, as Johnson-Lynch aimed to seek out probably the most harmful rotation of gamers. Eighteen gamers contributed to the win over Missouri, however that quantity shall be trimmed down headed into the Rumble within the Rockies occasion. 

“We’ll simply attempt some various things this weekend, see the way it seems, proceed to work on our vitality within the huddle, that’s a giant factor for us this 12 months, and play arduous it doesn’t matter what,” Johnson-Lynch mentioned. 

Iowa State shall be examined on the highway early, matching up in opposition to Creighton, Wyoming and Wichita State in Laramie, Wyoming, beginning Friday.