Ames Today

Iowa State University's women's volleyball team secured a straight-sets victory over Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, on Saturday. The Cyclones won by scores of 25-18, 25-23, and 25-13 to close out the Bobcat Invite and move to a 2-0 record for the season.

Junior Pam McCune led Iowa State with an efficient offensive performance, recording 11 kills without an error on just 15 attempts. Her .733 hitting percentage ties for the sixth-highest single-match mark in program history and is the best since Grace Lazard set the school record with .867 against Texas Tech in 2018. In addition to her offensive output, McCune contributed three blocks—one solo and two assists.

The Cyclones opened strong with a .417 hitting percentage in the first set. Tierney Jackson and Maya Duckworth each posted four kills early as Iowa State built a lead it would not relinquish. Morgan Brandt ended the opening set with an ace at 25-18.

The second set was closely contested. After falling behind by one at 23-22, Duckworth delivered consecutive kills to secure a 2-0 match lead for Iowa State.

In the third set, McCune remained error-free as she reached double-digit kills on only her thirteenth attempt. The Cyclones took control early and maintained their advantage throughout, outhitting Ohio .588 to .150 during that frame before closing out the sweep with a 25-13 win.

Rachel Van Gorp led all players with 16 digs over three sets. Morgan Brandt recorded Iowa State’s first double-double of the season with 32 assists and 11 digs while also adding two aces, two kills, and a block.

Iowa State will continue its non-conference schedule next week at the Panther Invite in Milwaukee where they will face Central Michigan, Milwaukee, and South Alabama on September 5th and 6th.

"Iowa State hit at .417 in the first to start off strong, led by Tierney Jackson and Maya Duckworth who each put down four kills in the opening frame."

"After a tight second set and the Cyclones down by one at 23-22, Duckworth had what ISU was looking for ending the set with back-to-back kills to give ISU the 2-0 match lead."

"The junior had the third 10-plus kill performance of her career, also putting up three blocks (one solo, two assists)."