The Iowa State Cyclones swept the CU women’s volleyball team in three games in Boulder Wednesday night.
Despite improving slightly throughout the three games, the Buffs ultimately lost the final game by three points. They lost the first game by 10 points. CU is now 9-6 and 5-3 in the Big 12, making this game only the Buffs’ second loss at home.
Iowa State won the match point when two Buffs nearly ran into each other and the ball dropped between them.
“There was some very sloppy play out there,” said CU head coach Pi’i Aiu. “We’ve been kind of easing off of them, and I’ll take the blame for this one, I think, and we’ve got to get back, you know, lay into them, and make them practice hard.”
Some CU players are sick or injured, and fatigue may have contributed to the loss, but Aiu would not accept that as an excuse.
“One of the things I’ve always believed is you’ve got to practice the same way, and if you’re hurt, you’ve got to practice hurt or not practice . and then you learn to play hurt,” Aiu said.
Sophomore Lauren Schaefer was not 100 percent healthy for the match, but led the Buffs with 12 kills. Schaefer’s level of play must be high if the Buffs will succeed, Aiu said.
“We need to be strong and you know, play through being tired and sick and hurt,” Schaefer said. “It’s frustrating.”
Iowa State senior Katie Jessen had played a big role in the game with 14 kills and 10 digs.
The Cyclones are now 12-6 overall and 4-4 in the Big 12, which places them right behind the Buffs at No. 6 in the conference.
“When the conference race is so tight, to get a win on the road against a good team is very important for us,” said Iowa State head coach Christy Johnson.